We wondered if the authors set out to investigate the association
between symptoms of anxiety and depression in childhood and use of MDMA.
Genetic vulnerability is a major risk factor for childhood illicit
drug use(Merikangas K R et al. 1998).Furthermore,an association has been
shown between parental illicit drug use and psychiatric disorders
including depression.(Mayes,1995). However the authors did not gather
information regarding parental illicit drug use.This is an important
potential confounding factor,influencing both risk factors and outcome in
this study.
In addition, the "self-medication" hypothesis proposed by the authors
for the use of MDMA has been made without investigating alcohol use in the
sample.
Merikangas K R el al 1998 Familial transmission of substance use
disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry.1998 Nov;55(11):964-5
Mayes LC 1995 Substance Abuse and Parenting. In: Bornstein MH,ed The
Handbook of Parenting.Mahwah,NH:Erlbaum.Pp. 101-125
Rapid Response:
Confounders
We wondered if the authors set out to investigate the association
between symptoms of anxiety and depression in childhood and use of MDMA.
Genetic vulnerability is a major risk factor for childhood illicit
drug use(Merikangas K R et al. 1998).Furthermore,an association has been
shown between parental illicit drug use and psychiatric disorders
including depression.(Mayes,1995). However the authors did not gather
information regarding parental illicit drug use.This is an important
potential confounding factor,influencing both risk factors and outcome in
this study.
In addition, the "self-medication" hypothesis proposed by the authors
for the use of MDMA has been made without investigating alcohol use in the
sample.
Merikangas K R el al 1998 Familial transmission of substance use
disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry.1998 Nov;55(11):964-5
Mayes LC 1995 Substance Abuse and Parenting. In: Bornstein MH,ed The
Handbook of Parenting.Mahwah,NH:Erlbaum.Pp. 101-125
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests