Mood and cognitive effects of ± 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’): week‐end ‘high’ followed by mid‐week low

Recreational use of MDMA (ecstasy) leads to elevated mood on the day of use but a significant low mood five days later, with some users scoring within the range for clinical depression. Compared to alcohol users, who showed a U-shaped mood curve with the lowest point the day after drinking, MDMA users also had significant impairments on an attentional and working memory task. The findings suggest that weekend MDMA use may cause mid-week depressed mood, possibly due to temporary serotonin depletion, serotonergic neurotoxicity, or psychological factors.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Aims. Recreational use of ± 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) is widespread. The present study aimed to examine both the acute and residual effects of this drug on users' mood and cognitive Junction. Design and participants. A parallel group design was used to compare 12 participants who reported having taken MDMA with 12 participants who reported having consumed only alcohol, on the relevant night (day 1). These same participants were then re‐assessed the following day (day 2) and again mid‐week (day 5). Findings. Acute effects of MDMA broadly replicated previous findings. MDMA users rated elevated mood on day 1 but significantly low mood on day 5, at which point some participants scored within the range for clinical depression. In contrast, the alcohol group showed less pronounced changes, which followed a U‐shaped curve over days with the lowest point being day 2. The MDMA group also showed significant impairments on an attentional/working memory task, compared with alcohol users. Conclusions. Weekend use of MDMA may lead to depressed mood mid‐week. Possible mechanisms underlying the findings are discussed in terms of temporary depletion of serotonin, serotonergic neurotoxity and psychological aspects of mood change.