ECSTASY LINKED TO CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION Children who suffer anxiety and depression are more likely to use ecstasy in later life, according to a new study. It could explain why ecstasy use is thought to lead to later depression, the paper in the British Medical Journal says. Researchers at Rotterdam's Erasmus Medical Centre assessed 1,580 people over 14 years from childhood to adulthood. Individuals who showed signs of anxiety and depression at the start of the trial in 1983 showed an increased risk of starting to use ecstasy. 'May Be Seeking Relaxation' The authors argue such people may be particularly susceptible to the supposed positive effects of ecstasy. They may be seeking the enhanced feelings of bonding, euphoria, or relaxation that it is said to induce. But long-term exposure to ecstasy may result in depressive symptoms increasing and this could explain the link that has been found between ecstasy use and later depression in other studies. DrugScope chief executive Martin Barnes said: "The suggestion that young people with emotional health problems may use ecstasy to feel better is not surprising, particularly as the drug creates feelings of euphoria and emotional closeness to others. "This is an important contribution towards understanding why vulnerable young people, and indeed adults, are more susceptible to drug use and misuse."
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