Neurocognitive impairments in MDMA and other drug users: MDMA alone may not be a cognitive risk factor
Karen L. Hanson, Mónica Luciana
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology September 30, 2009 DOI: 10.1080/13803390903042361 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Neurocognitive Cognition Drug Risk factor Cognitive disorder Clinical psychology Cognitive impairment |
| Citations | 34 |
| Key findings | Moderate MDMA use does not produce persistent impairments beyond those from general heavy drug use, but polydrug use may cause dose-related temporal and frontoparietal dysfunction, with marijuana use being especially problematic. |
Abstract
This study and our previous report (Hanson, Luciana, & Sullwold, 2008) suggest that moderate MDMA use does not lead to persistent impairments above and beyond that associated with generally heavy drug use, but polydrug use may lead to dose-related temporal and frontoparietal dysfunction. Marijuana use may be particularly problematic. Cause-effect relations are unclear.
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 14
- Durability of improvement in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and absence of harmful effects or drug dependency after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy: a prospective long-term follow-up study. Journal of Psychopharmacology 2013
- First study of safety and tolerability of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in patients with alcohol use disorder. Journal of Psychopharmacology February 18, 2021
- Why MDMA therapy for alcohol use disorder? And why now? Neuropharmacology November 1, 2018
- MDMA and MDMA-Assisted Therapy. American Journal of Psychiatry 2025
- Effects of repeated treatment with MDMA on working memory and behavioural flexibility in mice Addiction Biology January 19, 2012
and 9 more in the library
Cites 26
- Neurotoxicity of the psychedelic amphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 1987
- Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Neurology December 1, 1998
- Gender differences in the subjective effects of MDMA Psychopharmacology March 5, 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
and 21 more in the library