The effects of acute and repeated adolescent MDMA exposure on behavior, cognition, and the monoamine neurotransmitter systems: A review of human and pre-clinical research
Behavioural Brain Research February 10, 2026 Kristin A. Felsch, Jessica A. Siegel
MDMA is a psychomotor stimulant drug. Most research has focused on adults, but adolescence is a unique period of brain development where MDMA's effects may differ. This review summarizes 54 studies (48 in rodents, 6 in humans) on acute and repeated adolescent MDMA exposure. Acute high doses generally increase locomotor activity and impair the serotonin system. Repeated exposure shows conflicting results depending on dosing, testing environment, and timing. There is little research on adolescent females. More consistent dosing and female subjects are needed.