Discrete memory impairments in largely pure chronic users of MDMA.
Michael D. Wunderli, Matthias Vonmoos, Marina Fürst, Katrin Schädelin, Thomas Kræmer, Markus R Baumgartner, Erich Seifritz, Boris B. Quednow
European Neuropsychopharmacology October 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.08.425 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 107 |
| Population | Chronic MDMA users (stimulant-free and stimulant-using) and MDMA/stimulant-naïve controls |
| Duration | 6-month hair analysis period |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Empathogen Entactogen Mda Mdea Chronic MDMA Use New memory formation Declarative memory deficits Other substances Stimulants Co-occurring stimulant use Broader impairments Working memory Executive functions Attention Wider cognition issues |
| Citations | 37 |
| Key findings | Pure chronic MDMA use is associated with strong declarative memory impairments, while broader cognitive deficits in polydrug MDMA users are likely driven by stimulant co-use. |
Abstract
Chronic use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") has repeatedly been associated with deficits in working memory, declarative memory, and executive functions. However, previous findings regarding working memory and executive function are inconclusive yet, as in most studies concomitant stimulant use, which is known to affect these functions, was not adequately controlled for. Therefore, we compared the cognitive performance of 26 stimulant-free and largely pure (primary) MDMA users, 25 stimulant-using polydrug MDMA users, and 56 MDMA/stimulant-naïve controls by applying a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Neuropsychological tests were grouped into four cognitive domains. Recent drug use was objectively quantified by 6-month hair analyses on 17 substances and metabolites. Considerably lower mean hair concentrations of stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, cocaine), opioids (morphine, methadone, codeine), and hallucinogens (ketamine, 2C-B) were detected in primary compared to polydrug users, while both user groups did not differ in their MDMA hair concentration. Cohen's d effect sizes for both comparisons, i.e., primary MDMA users vs. controls and polydrug MDMA users vs. controls, were highest for declarative memory (dprimary=.90, dpolydrug=1.21), followed by working memory (dprimary=.52, dpolydrug=.96), executive functions (dprimary=.46, dpolydrug=.86), and attention (dprimary=.23, dpolydrug=.70). Thus, primary MDMA users showed strong and relatively discrete declarative memory impairments, whereas MDMA polydrug users displayed broad and unspecific cognitive impairments. Consequently, even largely pure chronic MDMA use is associated with decreased performance in declarative memory, while additional deficits in working memory and executive functions displayed by polydrug MDMA users are likely driven by stimulant co-use.
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 22
- Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine ACS Chemical Neuroscience July 12, 2018
- Positive psychology in the investigation of psychedelics and entactogens: A critical review Neuropharmacology November 1, 2018
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Psychiatry Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology October 10, 2018
- Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings Neural Regeneration Research February 22, 2024
- Self-reported PTSD is associated with increased use of MDMA in adolescents with substance use disorders European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2021
and 17 more in the library
Cites 20
- The molecular mechanism of "ecstasy" [3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA)]: serotonin transporters are targets for MDMA-induced serotonin release. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences March 1, 1992
- 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
- Altered Serotonin Innervation Patterns in the Forebrain of Monkeys Treated with (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Seven Years Previously: Factors Influencing Abnormal Recovery Journal of Neuroscience June 15, 1999
- Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA) Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry June 1, 2000
and 15 more in the library