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Dissociable Effects of a Single Dose of Ecstasy (MDMA) on Psychomotor Skills and Attentional Performance

C. T. J. Lamers, Johannes G. Ramaekers, N. D. Muntjewerff, K. L. Sikkema, Wim J. Riedel, Nele Samyn, Nicoleta Read, Karel Brookhuis

Journal of Psychopharmacology December 1, 2003 DOI: 10.1177/0269881103174015 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Placebo-controlled Double-blind Peer reviewed
Sample size 12
Population Healthy recreational ecstasy users
Interventions MDMA Alcohol
Dose 75 mg MDMA, 0.5 g/kg alcohol
Topics MDMA
Keywords Psychomotor learning Cognition Cognitive psychology Audiology Developmental psychology
Citations 105
Key findings MDMA improved psychomotor performance but impaired object movement prediction under divided attention, with no effect on visual search, planning, or semantic memory.

Abstract

Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) is a psychoactive recreational drug widely used by young people visiting dance parties, and has been associated with poor cognitive function. The current study assessed the influence of a single dose of MDMA 75 mg and alcohol 0.5 g/kg on cognition, psychomotor performance and driving-related task performance. Twelve healthy recreational ecstasy users participated in an experimental study conducted according to a double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled three-way cross-over design. MDMA improved psychomotor performance, such as movement speed and tracking performance in a single task, as well as in a divided attention task. MDMA impaired the ability to predict object movement under divided attention. However, the inability to accurately predict object movement after MDMA may indicate impairment of particular performance skills relevant to driving. There was no effect of MDMA on visual search, planning or retrieval from semantic memory.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study. Patients with severe PTSD, including those with comorbidities such as dissociation,... 2021 Randomized controlled trial n = 90
The safety and efficacy of {+/-}3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder: the first randomized controlled pilot study. Patients with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder refractory to both psychotherapy... 2010 Randomized controlled trial n = 20
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: a randomised, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial. Military veterans and first responders aged 18 or older with chronic PTSD lasting 6... 2018 Randomized, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial n = 26
A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Patients with treatment-resistant PTSD 2012 Randomized controlled trial n = 12
MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Adults with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder 2023 Randomized controlled trial n = 104

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