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."