Psychiatric disorders and their correlates among young adult MDMA users in Ohio.
Rüssel S. Falck, Robert G Carlson, Jichuan Wang, Harvey A. Siegal
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 2006 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2006.10399824 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 402 |
| Population | Community sample of MDMA users aged 18 to 30 in Ohio |
| Measures | computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Fifty-five percent of MDMA users had at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder, with major depression (35.3%) and antisocial personality disorder (25.4%) most common. For most participants, psychiatric disorders preceded first MDMA use, and more frequent MDMA use was associated with antisocial personality disorder and ADHD. |
Abstract
This study describes the lifetime prevalence, correlates, and age of onset of selected psychiatric disorders among a community sample of MDMA users (n = 402), aged 18 to 30, in Ohio. Participants responded to interviewer-administered questionnaires, including sections of the computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV. Fifty-five percent of the sample had at least one lifetime disorder, with major depression (35.3%) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) (25.4%) the most common. Proportionately more women were diagnosed with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while proportionately more men were diagnosed with ASPD. Proportionately more non-White participants had attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). Higher levels of education were associated with proportionately less PTSD, ASPD, and AD/HD. Higher frequencies of MDMA use were associated with proportionately more ASPD and AD/HD. Comparing the age of first MDMA use with the age of onset for selected psychiatric disorders revealed that for most participants disorders preceded use. Multivariate analysis revealed participants with more than a high school education were less likely to have experienced a lifetime disorder, while those who had used MDMA more than 50 times were more likely. Variations in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders have practical implications for drug abuse prevention and treatment programs.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Individuals who took MDMA in a clinical setting | 1986 | Observational study | |
| Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Abstinent MDMA users | 1998 | Observational cohort | |
| Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) Otherwise healthy young people | 2000 | Observational | |
| The Psychological and Physiological Effects of MDMA on Normal Volunteers Older, more educated, drug-experienced individuals | 1986 | Observational cohort | |
| Cognitive performance in recreational users of MDMA or 'ecstasy': evidence for memory deficits Young people who were regular or novice MDMA users, or non-users | 1998 | Observational cohort | n = 30 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): current perspectives Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation November 1, 2013
- Depressive symptomatology in young adults with a history of MDMA use: a longitudinal analysis Journal of Psychopharmacology August 22, 2007
- Is Recreational Ecstasy (MDMA) Use Associated with Higher Levels of Depressive Symptoms? Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 1, 2007
- Self-reported PTSD is associated with increased use of MDMA in adolescents with substance use disorders European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2021
- Psychotomimetic effects of PCP, LSD, and Ecstasy: pharmacological models of schizophrenia? Cambridge University Press eBooks February 4, 2010
and 1 more in the library
Cites 12
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- Mood and cognitive effects of ± 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’): week‐end ‘high’ followed by mid‐week low Addiction July 1, 1997
- Is MDMA (‘Ecstasy’) Neurotoxic in Humans? An Overview of Evidence and of Methodological Problems in Research Neuropsychobiology 2000
- Former chronic methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) users report mild depressive symptoms Journal of Psychopharmacology May 1, 2001
- Ecstasy and Drug Consumption Patterns: A Canadian Rave Population Study The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry August 1, 2002
and 7 more in the library