The effects of MDMA in humans

Funding Activity

Website
http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/349485

Funding Status
Closed

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Funded Activity Summary

Ecstasy use is growing faster throughout the world than than any other drug of abuse. United Nations figures from 2003 show that it is used by more individuals than the combined total of cocaine and heroin users. Australia has the highest per capita use of 'Ecstasy' in the world with rates twice those of North Americal and Europe. As a result of this we also have a high rate of adverse effects. These can be immediate, and lead to death, or long term leading to brain damage and psychopathologies. So far, no studies have been conducted,anywhere in the world, which have objectively examined the medical effects of 'ecstasy' in the dance clubs where it is used. Because of this, there is a lot of speculation on whether the animal based or hospital based studies are valid and relate to normal recreational use of this drug. This has led to a degree of suspicion by users and health professionals as to the medical problems claimed to be associated with the drug. This project extends a pilot study we undertook which has highlighted that in a recreational setting it is likely that specific individuals are susceptible to damage by 'ecstasy'. The purpose of this project is to examine this in detail, and identify who, and why some young persons are at risk of immediate life threatening outcomes from 'ecstasy' use or may develop brain damage later. The intended outcome is to provide clear evidence of adverse effects and why they occur. This evidence may be used to improve harm minimisation and treatment programs.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2005

End Date: 01-01-2006

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $349,800.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Clinical Sciences not elsewhere classified

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Clinical Toxicology | Drug abuse | Drugs of abuse | Ecstasy | Harm Minimisation | hyperthermia | mental health

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