MOOD AND COGNITIVE EFFECTS OF + -3,4-METHYLENEDIOXYMETHAMPHETAMINE (MDMA, ECSTASY) - WEEKEND HIGH FOLLOWED BY MID-WEEK LOW/

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 partic ipants who reported having consumed only alcohol, on the relevant nigh t (day 1). These same participants were then re-assessed the following day (day 2) and again mid-week (day 5). Findings. Acute effects of MD MA broadly replicated previous findings. MDMA users rated elevated moo d on day I but significantly law mood on day 5, at which point some pa rticipants scared within the range for clinical depression. In contras t, the alcohol group showed less pronounced changes, which followed a U-shaped curve over days with the lowest point being day 2. The MDMA g roup also showed significant impairments on an attentional/working mem ory task, compared with alcohol users. Conclusions. Weekend use of MDM A may lead to depressed mood mid-week. Possible mechanisms underlying the findings are discussed in terms of temporary depletion of serotoni n, serotonergic neurotoxity and psychological aspects of mood change.