Diffusion Tensor Imaging in MDMA Users and Controls: Association with Decision Making
F. Gerard Moeller, Joel L. Steinberg, Scott D. Lane, Matthew Buzby, Alan C. Swann, Khader M. Hasan, Larry A. Kramer, Ponnada A. Narayana
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse January 1, 2007 DOI: 10.1080/00952990701651564 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMDMA users showed reduced longitudinal diffusivity in the rostral body of the corpus callosum, indicating possible microstructural changes, while no differences were found in other diffusivity measures. MDMA users also reported higher impulsivity on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and made more disadvantageous choices on the Iowa Gambling Task. A positive correlation emerged between longitudinal diffusivity in the rostral corpus callosum and advantageous decision-making, suggesting a link between white matter integrity and cognitive performance. Further research is needed to understand the causes of these associations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | MDMA users and healthy controls |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Corpus callosum Fractional anisotropy Diffusion MRI Iowa gambling task |
| Citations | 39 |
| Key finding | MDMA users had significantly smaller longitudinal diffusivity in the rostral body of the corpus callosum, higher impulsivity, and poorer decision-making on the Iowa Gambling Task compared to controls. |
Abstract
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) may provide information regarding effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use on brain structure. Twelve MDMA users and 20 healthy controls underwent whole brain DTI data acquisition. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (D(av)), and longitudinal (lambda(1)) and transverse (lambda(T)) diffusivities were compared between MDMA users and controls in 6 regions of the corpus callosum. MDMA users also completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and a subset of subjects completed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results showed significantly smaller lambda(1) in the rostral body of the corpus callosum in MDMA users, with no differences between groups on lambda(T), FA, or D(av). MDMA users also had a significantly higher BIS nonplanning score and greater preference for disadvantageous choices on the IGT. There was a significant positive correlation between lambda(1) in the rostral body of the corpus callosum and advantageous choices on the IGT. Further research on the etiology of these findings is warranted.