OPEN Foundation

A Longitudinal Study of Self-Reported Psychopathology in Beginning Ecstasy and Amphetamine Users: A Third Follow-Up Evaluation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is still unknown whether psychopathological symptoms found in ecstasy and amphetamine users were apparent before the first use or developed subsequent to its use.

OBJECTIVES: The present study presents the third follow-up evaluation of a longitudinal study to assess the nature of the relationship between ecstasy, amphetamine (AMPH) and psychopathology.

METHODS: In this sample, 69 beginning ecstasy and AMPH users were followed over a period of 4 years. To explore different psychopathological dimensions, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised was applied. Use of ecstasy, AMPH, cannabis and was gathered by structured interviews and use of cigarettes by a questionnaire. First, linear mixed models for repeated measures (unstructured covariance matrix) on the nine primary symptoms of the SCL-90-R with a separate model for each symptom category were performed. Second, linear regression analyses with the nine primary symptom categories of the baseline assessment (T0) as predictors and with ecstasy and AMPH use as dependent variables were fitted.

RESULTS: No significant associations between ecstasy, AMPH, and psychopathology were evident. However, a significant two-way interaction between ecstasy and cigarette use at the baseline assessment, as well as a three-way interaction effect between ecstasy, cigarette use, and time on obsessive-compulsive symptoms, were found.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that nicotine may moderate the effect of ecstasy on obsessive-compulsive symptoms. However, no associations between ecstasy, AMPH, and psychopathology have been found. This is one of the few studies, which highlights the role of nicotine in the study of psychopathology in beginning ecstasy and AMPH users.

Wagner, D., Sauder, T., Koester, P., Gouzoulis-Mayfrank, E., & Daumann, J. (2017). A Longitudinal Study of Self-Reported Psychopathology in Beginning Ecstasy and Amphetamine Users: A Third Follow-Up Evaluation. Substance Use & Misuse, 1-8. 10.1080/10826084.2017.1290113
Link to full text

OPEN Foundation

Share This Post

get the latest

The OPEN Minded Newsletter keeps you informed about the latest psychedelic research & news, articles, exclusive events, job opportunities, programmes, and free resources!

By clicking SUBSCRIBE, I confirm to receive emails from the OPEN Foundation and agree with its privacy policy.

interested in becoming a trained psychedelic-assisted therapist?

Management of Psychedelic-Related Complications - Online Event - Nov 20th