The neuropsychology of ecstasy (MDMA) use: a quantitative review
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – September 25, 2007
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
MDMA users exhibit notable cognitive impairments, particularly in learning and memory, with small-to-medium effect sizes across various cognitive domains. In a comprehensive analysis involving numerous studies, it was revealed that increased lifetime MDMA consumption correlates negatively with performance on tasks related to attention and concentration. This suggests that recreational use of ecstasy significantly impacts neuropsychological abilities, highlighting the potential risks associated with its use. Understanding these effects is crucial for psychology and psychiatry, especially in the context of drug studies and forensic toxicology.
Abstract
Abstract A growing number of empirical studies have found varying neuropsychological impairments associated with use of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use. We set out to determine to what extent neuropsychological abilities are impaired in MDMA users. To do so, meta‐analytical methods were used to determine the magnitude of neuropsychological impairment in MDMA users across pre‐specified cognitive domains. We found that cognitive impairment secondary to recreational drug use may result in what might be described as small‐to‐medium effects across all cognitive domains with learning and memory being most impaired. We also found that total lifetime ingestion of MDMA appears to be negatively associated with performance on tasks ranging from attention and concentration to learning and memory. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.