Ecstasy in recreational users: self-reported psychological and physiological effects
Citation:
Davison, D., and Parrott, A. C. (1997). Ecstasy in recreational users: self-reported psychological and physiological effects. Human Psychopharmacology 12: 91-97.
Abstract:
Twenty recreational drug users were asked to describe the psychological and physiological effects they experienced under MDMA. The subjects comprised eleven males and nine females, in the age range 18-31 years. Five subjects had taken MDMA once, nine had taken it 2-9 times, while six subjects had taken it +10 times. Each subject completed a modified Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS), and Ecstasy Effect Questionnaire, and a structured interview, covering past experience with MDMA. Increased feelings of elation, agreeableness, energy, and mental confusion were reported on-drug, together with faster heart rate, feeling hot, increased sweating and dehydration, dilated pupils, and tight jaw. Coming off Ecstasy led to feelings of lethargy, moodiness, insomnia, depression, irritability, and paranoia.