A Voxel-Based PET Investigation of the Long-Term Effects of “Ecstasy” Consumption on Brain Serotonin Transporters
Ralph Buchert, Rainer Thomasius, Florian Wilke, Kay Uwe Petersen, B. Nebeling, Jost Obrocki, O. Schulze, Ulrich Schmidt, M. Clausen
American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 2004 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.161.7.1181 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractRepeated use of MDMA (ecstasy) may cause long-lasting changes to the brain's serotonin system, but these changes could be reversible over time. Brain scans using PET show reduced availability of serotonin transporters in people who have used MDMA, suggesting damage to serotonin-producing neurons. The study also finds that women are more vulnerable than men to these MDMA-induced alterations. The findings support the idea that MDMA use leads to protracted changes in the serotonergic system, but the reduced serotonin transporter availability might recover with abstinence.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Human participants who used MDMA |
| Topics | MDMA Serotonin |
| Keywords | Serotonin transporter Psychology |
| Citations | 183 |
| Key finding | MDMA use is associated with reduced serotonin transporter availability in the brain, which may be reversible, and women are more susceptible than men to these alterations. |
Abstract
These findings support the hypothesis of MDMA-induced protracted alterations of the serotonergic system and indicate that the reduced availability of serotonin transporter, as measured by PET, might be reversible. Women appear to be more susceptible than men to MDMA-induced alterations of the serotonergic system.