Responsible Regulation of Psychiatric Practice

Abstract

A major drug of abuse today is 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or 'ecstasy'). Serious medical complications and neurotoxicity are known to be caused from its uncontrolled use, but most long-term effects are still unkown. Neuropsychological studies show cognitive deficiencies in chronic users [1].In March 1999, a 22-year-old man with a 3 year history of drug abuse was admitted to our detoxification ward. Childhood and education were without major complications. He had been taking cannabis since 1996 and 'ecstasy' tablets almost daily since 1997. He documented in his diary the ingestion of more than 350 'ecstasy' tablets in 18 months (up to eight tablets at