A Johns Hopkins University study claiming that users of MDMA, the drug popularly know as ecstasy, could suffer from permanent brain damage has been completely retracted after its authors discovered that another drug was accidentally used in the study.
According to the retraction written by the Hopkins researchers, "the drug used to treat all but one animal in [the original study] came from a bottle that contained d-methamphetamine instead of the intended drug, racemic MDMA." Researchers attributed the mix-up to an error in labeling by the company that supplied the MDMA.
The study, published in the September 27, 2002 issue of Science magazine, concluded that even occasional use of ecstasy could cause irreparable brain damage. Several primate test subjects died or became too ill to complete the study, and those who did finish had significantly reduced levels of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals which regulate how the brain operates. The study had been the first to provide a link between MDMA and a drop in dopamine levels.
The Hopkins study was added to the collection of scientific evidence detailing the dangers of MDMA use. Although the dopamine link was new, several previous studies connected MDMA use with damage to areas of the brain that deal with serotonin.
Other researchers, however, believe that MDMA could help treat people suffering from psychiatric disorders, claiming that many studies have exaggerated the damage caused by MDMA. The Web site of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, for example, contains numerous anecdotal accounts of MDMA's therapeutic benefits and urges that further scientific research be conducted.
MDMA is best known for its use by teenagers and young adults during all-night "rave" dance parties. Many of the risks associated with MDMA come from using it in conjunction with hours of dancing in a crowded room, which often leads to dehydration and hyperthermia.
Before becoming famous for its presence at raves, however, ecstasy use was concentrated on college campuses. Andy Thomson, a psychiatrist with the University Counseling and Psychological Services, has treated students who used ecstasy.
"I strongly encourage students not to take ecstasy -- they may be doing permanent damage to themselves," he said. "There's legitimate research out there that suggests that."
Still, the University does not experience a significant level of ecstasy use. In 2002, less than 6 percent of students on Grounds reported using ecstasy.
"That's pretty low here at U.Va.," said Marianne Bonday of the Center for Alcohol and Substance Education. "We think that's gone down even since [2002]."
The long term effects of MDMA use remain unclear. Even within the retraction, the study's authors cite "results of multiple previous studies demonstrating the serotonin neurotoxic potential of MDMA in various animal species."
Bonday emphasized the hazards associated with the drug.
"There is a high potential for harm related to [MDMA]," Bonday said. "We need to hold tight and wait until there is more research, specifically on humans, showing more evidence on what the long term damage is."
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