Psychological and neuropsychological effects of MDMA use during adolescence: a structured review.
Frontiers in psychiatry January 1, 2025 Rocco Miazzi, Clara Cestonaro, Silvia Righetto et al.
Adolescent MDMA use is linked to psychological disturbances such as increased depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and attempts, as well as neuropsychological deficits in memory, attention, and executive functioning. Neuroimaging evidence suggests MDMA disrupts serotonergic pathways, potentially causing persistent brain changes. The review synthesizes 14 human studies but notes methodological limitations like small sample sizes, high rates of polydrug use, and lack of longitudinal designs, complicating causal conclusions. The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and harm reduction for adolescents.