This survey study (n=213,437) found that lifetime MDMA use was associated with significantly lowered odds of a major depressive episode (MDE) and past year severe MDE. Psilocybin was associated with significantly lowered odds of a past year MDE and past year severe MDE.

Abstract

“Background: Depression is a major mental health issue worldwide, with high rates of chronicity and non-recovery associated with the condition. Existing treatments such as antidepressant medication and psychological treatments have modest effectiveness, suggesting the need for alternative interventions.

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)/ecstasy and psilocybin use and major depressive episodes (MDEs).

Methods: This observational study used data from a large (N = 213,437) nationally representative sample of US adults to test the association of lifetime use of MDMA/ecstasy, psilocybin and other classic psychedelics (lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), peyote, mescaline), other illegal substances (e.g. cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP)), and legal/medicinal substances of misuse (e.g. pain relievers, tranquillizers) with lifetime, past year, and past year severe MDEs.

Results: Results revealed that lifetime MDMA/ecstasy use was associated with significantly lowered odds of a lifetime MDE (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.84; p < 0.001), past year MDE (aOR = 0.84; p < 0.001), and past year severe MDE (aOR = 0.82; p < 0.001). Psilocybin was associated with significantly lowered odds of a past year MDE (aOR = 0.90; p < 0.05) and past year severe MDE (aOR = 0.87; p < 0.05). All other substances either shared no relationship with an MDE or conferred increased odds of an MDE.

Conclusions: These results suggest that MDMA/ecstasy and psilocybin use is associated with a lower risk of depression. Experimental studies are needed to test whether there is a causal association between the use of these compounds and the alleviation of depressive symptoms.”

Authors: Grant M. Jones & Matthew K. Nock

Summary of Lifetime use of MDMA/ecstasy and psilocybin is associated with reduced odds of major depressive episodes

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects over 264 million people worldwide. Currently, the most effective available treatments are of only modest benefit, and there is a clear need for novel approaches to the treatment of depression.

MDMA and psilocybin may represent two such tools, as they increase feelings of empathy and prosociality, heighten mood states, and facilitate the processing of difficult emotions. MDMA has been designated as a Schedule 1 substance, but there has been a recent increase in research on its potential utility for treating anxiety and related disorders.

Although most clinical research on MDMA has focused on anxiety disorders, MDMA may be useful for treating mood disorders as well. It increases the availability of serotonin receptors (5-HT), much like SSRIs, a first-line depression treatment.

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Find this paper

Lifetime use of MDMA/ecstasy and psilocybin is associated with reduced odds of major depressive episodes

https://doi.org/10.1177%2F02698811211066714

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Study details

Compounds studied
MDMA LSD Psilocybin

Topics studied
Depression

Study characteristics
Survey

Participants
213437 Humans

Institutes

Institutes associated with this publication

Harvard University
Harvard is working with Mass General and their team at the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics. Harvard Law School recently launched their POPLAR initiative.