Major depression: the relative contribution of gender, MDMA, and cannabis use
Depression and Anxiety – March 07, 2007
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
In a study of 226 MDMA users, only 11.5% met the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder, despite an average of 35.8 uses of MDMA. Notably, 30.1% reported lifetime Cannabis Abuse, and 12.4% had Cannabis Dependence. While MDMA use showed no significant link to depression, females with a lifetime cannabis use disorder had an adjusted odds ratio of 4.99 for major depression. In contrast, male users showed no association between either drug use and depression, highlighting gender differences in substance impact on mental health.
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) users have elevated depressive symptomatology, although it is not clear whether this is due to MDMA or other drug use. This study aimed to investigate the contributions of MDMA and cannabis use to Major Depressive Disorder in MDMA users. A total of 226 MDMA users were studied. Participants (65% male) reported an average number of 35.8 uses of MDMA (SD = 45.6, range = 2-400). Participants were administered a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Twenty-six individuals (11.5%) met lifetime criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. High rates of lifetime Cannabis Abuse (30.1%) and Cannabis Dependence (12.4%) were reported. No association was found between number of uses of MDMA and Major Depressive Disorder. Those with lifetime major depression were found, however, to have higher rates of lifetime cannabis use disorder (adjusted OR = 2.40). A logistic regression indicated that lifetime cannabis use disorder, but not MDMA use, was significantly associated with lifetime Major Depressive Disorder. Stratified analyses suggested that for males, neither drug use variable was associated with major depression. For females, a lifetime cannabis use disorder (adjusted OR = 4.99), but not MDMA use, was associated with lifetime Major Depressive Disorder. Results of this study suggest that although MDMA use was not found to be significantly associated with major depression for either gender, a lifetime cannabis use disorder was significantly associated with lifetime major depression for female, but not male, users of MDMA.