Title | Hair MDMA samples are consistent with reported ecstasy use: Findings from a study investigating effects of ecstasy on mood and memory |
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Authors | Scholey, A.B., Owen, L., Gates, J., Rodgers, J., Buchanan, T., Ling, J., Heffernan, T.M., Swan, P., Stough, C. and Parrott, A.C. |
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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. |
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Journal | Neuropsychobiology |
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Journal citation | 63 (1), pp. 15-21 |
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ISSN | 0302-282X |
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Year | 2010 |
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Publisher | Karger |
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Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1159/000321833 |
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Publication dates |
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Published | Nov 2010 |
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