Chronic 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Use: Effects on Mood and Neuropsychological Function?
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse January 1, 1992 John H. Krystal, Lawrence H. Price, Charles Opsahl et al. 171 citations
Chronic use of MDMA (ecstasy) is associated with mild-to-moderate impairments in memory, as measured by the Wechsler Memory Scale, even when no memory deficits are apparent on clinical examination. In a study of nine individuals with extensive MDMA use, eight showed at least mild impairment on one or more neuropsychological tests. Despite previous evidence suggesting serotonin deficits in this group, none reported depressed mood or met criteria for an affective disorder at the time of testing. These findings raise concern about potential detrimental effects of MDMA on cognitive function and highlight important issues regarding serotonin's role in cognition and mood regulation.