Ecstasy use and higher-level cognitive functions: weak effects of ecstasy after control for potential confounds

Heavy ecstasy use is associated with some lowering of higher-level cognitive functions, but not with substantial cognitive dysfunction. A study comparing 45 abstinent ecstasy polydrug users, 48 cannabis polydrug users, and 40 legal drug users found no clear differences between groups on tests of attention, memory, and executive function. Lifetime dose of ecstasy was inversely linked to verbal memory performance, and a combination of drug-use variables, including ecstasy, predicted attention and working memory, though each factor explained only 1–6% of the variance in scores.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough there have been several reports linking ecstasy use with lowered cognitive function, much previous research suffers from substantial methodological limitations. The present study aimed to examine associations between ecstasy use and higher-level cognitive functions, using a larger sample size than most previous research and better controlling for a range of potential confounds.MethodA cross-sectional cohort design assessed 45 currently abstinent ecstasy polydrug users (EP), 48 cannabis polydrug users (CP) and 40 legal drug users (LD). Standardized neuropsychological tests were used to measure attention, verbal, visual and working memory and executive function. Prospective memory function was also assessed.ResultsIt was not possible to discriminate between groups on the basis of the cognitive functions assessed. Regression analyses showed an inverse association between lifetime dose of ecstasy and verbal memory performance. A combination of drug-use variables, including measures of ecstasy use, contributed to prediction of attention/working memory. However, individual associations were small, explaining 1–6% of variance in cognitive scores.ConclusionsAlthough the results suggest that heavy use of ecstasy is associated with some lowering of higher-level cognitive functions, they do not indicate a clinical picture of substantial cognitive dysfunction.