Acute, sub‐acute and long‐term subjective consequences of ‘ecstasy’ (MDMA) consumption in 430 regular users

Regular MDMA users report both positive and negative psychological effects. Among 466 regular users, acute effects include positive and negative impacts on mental health and physical effects. Between sessions, 83% experienced low mood and 80% impaired concentration. Long-term effects include tolerance (59%), impaired concentration (38%), depression (37%), and feeling more open toward people (31%). Factors such as age, gender, extent of MDMA use, and use of cocaine or amphetamine influence these effects. Users' main concern about stopping MDMA is its long-term effects on mental health.

Study at a glance

Abstract

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. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.