Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA)
Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry June 1, 2000 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.68.6.719 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Otherwise healthy young people |
| Topics | Cannabis MDMA |
| Keywords | Cognition Alertness Clinical psychology Developmental psychology |
| Citations | 309 |
| Key findings | Even typical recreational doses of ecstasy may cause neurotoxicity and cognitive decline, possibly involving working memory impairment. |
Abstract
The present data raise concern that use of ecstasy possibly in conjunction with cannabis may lead to cognitive decline in otherwise healthy young people. Although the nature of the emerging cognitive disturbance is not yet clear, an impairment of working memory might be the common denominator underlying or contributing to declines of performance in various tasks. The cognitive disturbance is likely to be related to the well recognised neurotoxic potential of ecstasy. The data suggest that even typical recreational doses of ecstasy are sufficient to cause neurotoxicity in humans.