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Mood and cognitive effects of +/-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy'): week-end 'high' followed by
1Department of Psychology, University College London, UK. v.curran@ucl.ac.uk
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 function.
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.
Insights
Recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) can lead to significant mood decline and cognitive impairment days after use. MDMA users experienced depressed mood mid-week, unlike alcohol consumers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is prevalent.
- Understanding the acute and residual effects of MDMA on mood and cognition is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute and residual effects of MDMA on mood and cognitive function in recreational users.
- To compare MDMA users with a control group who consumed only alcohol.
Main Methods:
- A parallel group design was employed, comparing 12 MDMA users with 12 alcohol-only consumers.
- Participants were assessed on days 1 (acute use), 2 (following day), and 5 (mid-week).
- Cognitive function was assessed using an attentional/working memory task.
Main Results:
- MDMA users reported elevated mood on day 1, followed by significantly depressed mood on day 5, with some meeting criteria for clinical depression.
- The alcohol group exhibited less pronounced mood changes, following a U-shaped curve peaking on day 2.
- MDMA users demonstrated significant impairments in attentional/working memory tasks compared to the alcohol group.
Conclusions:
- Weekend MDMA use may result in mid-week depressed mood.
- Potential mechanisms include serotonin depletion, serotonergic neurotoxicity, and psychological factors.
- Residual cognitive deficits, particularly in attention and working memory, may persist.