title: Acute, sub-acute and long-term subjective consequences of 'ecstasy' (MDMA) consumption in 430 regular users.
abstract: This study examined the reported psychological effects of different patterns of MDMA use in men and women, and how they are modified by use of other psychoactive substances. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 466 regular MDMA users, exploring the perceived acute, sub-acute and long-term subjective effects of this drug. Factor analysis established three main categories of acute effects of MDMA: (i) positive and (ii) negative effects on mental health, and (iii) physical effects. In terms of subacute effects, 83% of participants reported experiencing low mood and 80% reported impaired concentration between ecstasy-taking sessions. Factors affecting these effects included age, gender, extent of MDMA use and concomitant use of cocaine or amphetamine. The long-term effects most frequently reported included the development of tolerance to MDMA (59%), impaired ability to concentrate (38%), depression (37%) and 'feeling more open towards people' (31%). In terms of what might persuade users to stop using MDMA, their most prominent concern was the drug's long-term effects on mental health.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
authors.forename: Suzanne L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Verheyden
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: H Valerie
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Curran
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006213:Hallucinogens; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine