BMJ, doi: 10.1136/bmj.38743.539398.3A, (Published 24 February 2006)

RESEARCH

Symptoms of anxiety and depression in childhood and use of MDMA: prospective, population based study

Anja C Huizink 1*, Robert F Ferdinand 1, Jan van der Ende 1, Frank C Verhulst 1

1 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam/Sophia Children's Hospital, PO Box 2060, 3000 CB Rotterdam, Netherlands

* Correspondence to: a.c.huizink{at}erasmusmc.nl.

Objective To investigate whether using ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) is preceded by symptoms of behavioural and emotional problems in childhood and early adolescence.

Design Prospective, longitudinal, population based study

Setting The Dutch province of Zuid-Holland.

Participants A sample of 1580 individuals, followed up across a 14 year period, from childhood into adulthood.

Main outcome measures The first assessment took place in 1983 before MDMA appeared as a recreational drug in the Netherlands and included the child behaviour checklist to obtain standardised parents' reports of their children's behavioural and emotional problems. Use of the drug was assessed with the composite international diagnostic interview 14 years later.

Results Eight syndrome scales of childhood behaviour were examined. Scores in the deviant range for the scales designated as anxious or depressed in childhood were significantly related to use of MDMA in adolescents and adults, resulting in an increased risk (hazard ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.20 to 4.11, P=0.01).

Conclusions Individuals with childhood symptoms of anxiety and depression may have an increased tendency to use MDMA in adolescence or young adulthood. Its effects are supposed to include enhanced feelings of bonding with other people, euphoria, or relaxation. Especially individuals with symptoms of anxiety or depression may be susceptible to these positive effects.

(Accepted 10 January 2006)
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Rapid Responses:

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Re: Symptoms of anxiety and depression in childhood and use of MDMA: prospective, population based study
Wenbin Liang
bmj.com, 12 Apr 2006 [Full text]
Re: Re: Symptoms of anxiety and depression in childhood and use of MDMA: prospective, population based study
Anja C Huizink, et al.
bmj.com, 15 Apr 2006 [Full text]
Confounders
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bmj.com, 26 Apr 2006 [Full text]
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