Citation

Wodarz N, Böning J. Nervenarzt, Der 1993; 64(7): 478-480.

Vernacular Title

"Ecstasy"-induziertes psychotisches Depersonalisationssyndrom.

Affiliation

Psychiatrische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universität Würzburg.

Comment In:

Nervenarzt 1994;65(9):648-50

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8103572

Abstract

The 'designer drug' 3,4-methylenedioxy-metamphetamine (MDMA; 'Ecstasy'), which has become increasingly popular in the past few years, is supposed to induce a feeling of euphoria with amphetamine-like stimulant effects. It was for some time considered harmless, but neurotoxic effects on serotonergic neurons are now well documented. To supplement case reports on different drug-induced psychopathological and somatic complications published in recent literature, the case of a 21-year-old female patient is reported, who exhibited a protracted psychotic depersonalization disorder with suicidal tendency after the first intake of two tablets of "ecstasy". In the course of six months the symptoms remitted only gradually despite administration of a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, 'flash-backs' occurring repeatedly.

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