Hair MDMA samples are consistent with reported ecstasy use: findings from a study investigating effects of ecstasy on mood and memory

Search Swinburne Research Bank

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/94883

Check Swinburne's subscriptions for full text availability

Title: Hair MDMA samples are consistent with reported ecstasy use: findings from a study investigating effects of ecstasy on mood and memory
Author(s): Scholey, A. B.; Owen, L.; Gates, J.; Rodgers, J.; Buchanan, T.; Ling, J.; Heffernan, T.; Swan, P.; Stough, C.; Parrott, A. C.
Abstract: Aims: Our group has conducted several Internet investigations into the biobehavioural effects of self-reported recreational use of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or Ecstasy) and other psychosocial drugs. Here we report a new study examining the relationship between self-reported Ecstasy use and traces of MDMA found in hair samples. Methods: In a laboratory setting, 49 undergraduate volunteers performed an Internet-based assessment which included mood scales and the University of East London Drug Use Questionnaire, which asks for history and current drug use. They also provided a hair sample for determination of exposure to MDMA over the previous month. Results: Self-report of Ecstasy use and presence in hair samples were consistent (p < 0.00001). Both subjective and objective measures predicted lower self-reported ratings of happiness and higher self-reported stress. Self-reported Ecstasy use, but not presence in hair, was also associated with decreased tension. Conclusion: Different psychoactive drugs can influence long-term mood and cognition in complex and dynamically interactive ways. Here we have shown a good correspondence between self-report and objective assessment of exposure to MDMA. These data suggest that the Internet has potentially high utility as a useful medium to complement traditional laboratory studies into the sequelae of recreational drug use.
Publication type: Journal article
Source: Neuropsychobiology, Vol. 63, no. 1 (2010), pp. 15-21
Publication year: 2010
FOR Code(s): 1103 Clinical Sciences; 1109 Neurosciences; 1702 Cognitive Sciences
Keyword(s): 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; Biobehavioural effects; Ecstacy; MDMA
Publisher: S. Karger AG
ISSN: 0302-282X
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000321833
Peer reviewed