Diffusion Tensor Imaging in MDMA Users and Controls: Association with Decision Making
F. Gerard Moeller, Joel L. Steinberg, Scott D Lane, Matthew Buzby, Alan C. Swann, Khader M. Hasan, Larry A. Kramer, Ponnada A. Narayana
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 2007 DOI: 10.1080/00952990701651564 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | MDMA users and healthy controls |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Corpus callosum Fractional anisotropy Diffusion MRI Iowa gambling task Association psychology Cognition Radiology Magnetic resonance imaging |
| Citations | 39 |
| Key findings | MDMA users had significantly smaller longitudinal diffusivity in the rostral body of the corpus callosum, higher impulsivity, and poorer decision-making on the Iowa Gambling Task compared to controls. |
Abstract
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) may provide information regarding effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use on brain structure. Twelve MDMA users and 20 healthy controls underwent whole brain DTI data acquisition. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (D(av)), and longitudinal (lambda(1)) and transverse (lambda(T)) diffusivities were compared between MDMA users and controls in 6 regions of the corpus callosum. MDMA users also completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and a subset of subjects completed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results showed significantly smaller lambda(1) in the rostral body of the corpus callosum in MDMA users, with no differences between groups on lambda(T), FA, or D(av). MDMA users also had a significantly higher BIS nonplanning score and greater preference for disadvantageous choices on the IGT. There was a significant positive correlation between lambda(1) in the rostral body of the corpus callosum and advantageous choices on the IGT. Further research on the etiology of these findings is warranted.
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 6
- Neurocognitive impairments in MDMA and other drug users: MDMA alone may not be a cognitive risk factor Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology September 30, 2009
- Potential Long-term Effects of MDMA on the Basal Ganglia–Thalamocortical Circuit: A Proton MR Spectroscopy and Diffusion-Tensor Imaging Study Radiology June 3, 2011
- White matter alterations in chronic MDMA use: Evidence from diffusion tensor imaging and neurofilament light chain blood levels NeuroImage: Clinical September 19, 2022
- Decision-making in chronic ecstasy users: a systematic review. European Journal of Neuroscience January 2017
- MDMA (Ecstasy) association with impaired fMRI BOLD thalamic coherence and functional connectivity. Drug and Alcohol Dependence July 31, 2011
and 1 more in the library
Cites 6
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine destroy serotonin terminals in rat brain: quantification of neurodegeneration by measurement of [3H]paroxetine-labeled serotonin uptake sites. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics September 1, 1987
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) neurotoxicity in rats: a reappraisal of past and present findings Psychopharmacology March 15, 2006
- Neurotoxicity of MDMA and Related Compounds: Anatomic Studiesa Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences October 1, 1990
- Cerebral1H MRS alterations in recreational 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ?ecstasy?) users Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging October 1, 1999
- Elevated impulsivity and impaired decision-making cognition in heavy users of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) Psychopharmacology January 20, 2006
and 1 more in the library