Trends and characteristics in MDMA deaths in Australia 2000-2018

This webinar provides information on deaths related to MDMA in Australia during a period when MDMA markets have undergone substantial changes, with increasing manufacture of high purity MDMA.

Among the 392 deaths identified, the individuals’ characteristics and the circumstances of death will be described. Both deaths attributed to drug toxicity and those which occurred due to other causes in which MDMA was recorded as a contributory factor are considered.

While most deaths were due to multiple drug toxicity, a notable proportion were attributed solely to MDMA toxicity. Death rates increased significantly between 2001 and 2007, declined between 2008 and 2010, and increased again between 2011 and 2016 consistent with international supply trends. 

Speaker Dr Julia Lappin