Phenomenology and sequelae of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine use.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been at the center of a debate over its potential benefits as an adjunct to psychotherapy versus its capability for neurotoxic effects and is currently classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, as yet, there is very little methodological data on the subjective experience of the MDMA-induced state or its psychological and behavioral sequelae. The present study was, therefore, designed to obtain this kind of information. Twenty psychiatrists who had taken MDMA previously were evaluated using a semistructured interview. Subjective experience of the actual MDMA-induced state, as well as both short-term (less than 1 week) and relatively longer term (greater than 1 week) sequelae, were examined retrospectively. Side effects, insight gained, pleasure, and intensity of the MDMA experience were evaluated as were the influence of set and setting at the time the MDMA was taken and the dosage utilized. Finally, the authors discuss methodological problems and limitations of a study of this type.
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange 92668.
M B
MB
Liester
C S
CS
Grob
G L
GL
Bravo
R N
RN
Walsh
D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015198:Designer Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D010465:Perception / Q000187:drug effects; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*
D015198:Designer Drugs; D015104:3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine