Differential experiences of the psychobiological sequelae of ecstasy use: quantitative and qualitative data from an internet studySchool of Neurology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
Department of Psychology, University of Wales Swansea, Swansea UK
University of Teesside, Middlesborough, UK
School of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
School of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK Previous work provided preliminary evidence that different patterns of use among ecstasy users may impact on perceived side-effects. Participants recruited via an ecstasy-related bulletin board differed in their responses compared to those recruited via other means. The present investigation compares self-reports of psychobiological dif.culties among ecstasy users recruited either via a bulletin board or by alternative methods. Qualitative data included reports of any negative or positive changes attributable to ecstasy use and reasons for cessation of use. An Internet-based design was utilized and 209 volunteers completed the study, 117 of whom were recruited via a bulletin board devoted to discussion of ecstasy. Psychobiological dif.culties attributable to ecstasy use varied, with mood .uctuation the most common. Differences between the two groups in the extent to which these problems were reported was found. Bulletin board recruits were less likely to report anxiety or poor concentration, but more likely to report tremors/twitches. For the whole sample, lifetime use was associated more with psychobiologial problems, although this pattern was stronger and more pervasive for the nonbulletin board participants. Bulletin board recruits were more aware of possible negative psychological effects and were more likely to report adopting harm reduction strategies. From the qualitative data three negative consequences of use were identi.ed, the most common of which was ëpsychological problemsí. In support of the quantitative .ndings the likelihood of reporting psychological problems increased with lifetime exposure to ecstasy in both recruitment conditions but interestingly this did not appear to impact on reasons for cessation of use. Participants also reported a number of effects that they regarded as bene.cial. Future research should also take these aspects of use into account.
Key Words: MDMA • ecstasy • 3,4-methyleldioxymethamphetamine • side-effects • neuroprotection
This version was published on May
1, 2006 Journal of Psychopharmacology, Vol. 20, No. 3,
437-446 (2006) This article has been cited by other articles:
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