Although the lifetime use of MDMA (ecstasy) in the United States has increased in the last few years after a marked decline in usage in the early 2000s, lifetime MDMA use among adults aged 20-29 remains high in Australia, estimated at upwards of 24%. Research has shown a correlation between MDMA use and depression, which has been attributed to a possibly irreversible decline in the function of serotonin receptors. An Australian study published in 2010 attempts to examine the link between MDMA use and symptoms of anxiety and depression. A community sample of people aged 2 in Melbourne Australia who had used MDMA at least once in the previous 12 months. Data was collected from 184 participants with a mean age of 23.3 and a mean duration of MDMA use of 4.2 years. The data included lifetime substance use, trauma and life stress, current mood, and a DNA sample (for genetic analysis).
The analysis showed that earlier first use of marijuana and lifetime frequency of tobacco use were associated the severity of current anxiety symptoms. Lifetime use of MDMA, however, was not associated with current mood symptoms, both before and after the subjects’ data was controlled for genetic and environmental risk factors shown to be associated with depression and anxiety. This would suggest a simple correlative, rather than causative link between depression, anxiety, and substance use (i.e. those experiencing depressive or anxiety symptoms may be more likely to use drugs. Given the limitations of the study, in particular the fact that it relied primarily on retrospective self-report measures, the researchers propose that further investigation is required.
Scott RM, Hides L, Allen JS, Burke R, Lubman DI.
School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.
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