Chronic 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Use: Effects on Mood and Neuropsychological Function?
John H. Krystal, Lawrence H. Price, Charles Opsahl, George A. Ricaurte, George R. Heninger
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 1992 DOI: 10.3109/00952999209026070 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 9 |
| Population | Individuals with extensive MDMA use histories |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Mood Neuropsychology Neuropsychological test Wechsler memory scale Trail making test Cognition Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 171 |
| Key findings | Chronic MDMA use was associated with mild-to-moderate memory impairments on the Wechsler Memory Scale despite no clinical memory deficits or depressed mood. |
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "ecstasy") is a selective serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin in animals. There is now preliminary evidence in humans of 5-HT deficits associated with extensive use of MDMA. In order to begin to describe the cognitive and mood effects of chronic MDMA use, nine individuals with extensive MDMA use histories were studied. Despite the absence of memory deficits on clinical examination, a pattern of mild-to-moderate impairment was observed on both the Initial and Delayed Paragraph Tests of the Wechsler Memory Scale; eight of the subjects had at least mild impairment on at least one test in the neuropsychological battery. Despite previously reported suggestive evidence of 5-HT deficit in this group, none reported depressed mood or met clinical criteria for an affective disorder at the time of testing. These preliminary findings raise concern about possible detrimental effects of MDMA use on neuropsychological function for future systematic study and they highlight important issues regarding the effects of 5-HT deficits on cognitive function and mood regulation.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Individuals who took MDMA in a clinical setting | 1986 | Observational study | |
| Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Abstinent MDMA users | 1998 | Observational cohort | |
| Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) Otherwise healthy young people | 2000 | Observational | |
| The Psychological and Physiological Effects of MDMA on Normal Volunteers Older, more educated, drug-experienced individuals | 1986 | Observational cohort | |
| Cognitive performance in recreational users of MDMA or 'ecstasy': evidence for memory deficits Young people who were regular or novice MDMA users, or non-users | 1998 | Observational cohort | n = 30 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 65
- Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Neurology December 1, 1998
- Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry June 1, 2000
- Mood and cognitive effects of ± 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’): week‐end ‘high’ followed by mid‐week low Addiction July 1, 1997
- Cognitive performance in recreational users of MDMA or 'ecstasy': evidence for memory deficits Journal of Psychopharmacology 1998
and 60 more in the library
Cites 9
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA JAMA March 27, 1987
- (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Selectively Damages Central Serotonergic Neurons in Nonhuman Primates JAMA July 1, 1988
- The Psychological and Physiological Effects of MDMA on Normal Volunteers Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy' JAMA March 27, 1987
and 4 more in the library