Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Widespread use of the illicit drug ecstasy (MDMA or 3,4-
Methylenedioxymethamphetarnine) and the possible neurological damage caused by its
abuse is disconcerting. This study examined possible cognitive impairments in ecstasy
users while controlling for polydrug use. The CANT AB neuropsychological tests was
used to test working memory capacity, immediate and delayed perceptual matching,
shifting of attention, episodic memory, and learning in current and previous ecstasy users
compared to non-ecstasy polydrug users. The prediction that current and heavy previous
ecstasy users would perform worse on the neuropsychological tests, when compared to
polydrug control group, denoting neurological damage was not confirmed. The previous
light ecstasy users' performance was also equivalent to the poly drug control group,
suggesting that excessive ecstasy use is required to reveal cognitive impairments .. The
results suggest that the amount of ecstasy consumed by the participants did not lead to
cognitive impairments in the brain regions investigated and supports a 'moderation idea'.
Methylenedioxymethamphetarnine) and the possible neurological damage caused by its
abuse is disconcerting. This study examined possible cognitive impairments in ecstasy
users while controlling for polydrug use. The CANT AB neuropsychological tests was
used to test working memory capacity, immediate and delayed perceptual matching,
shifting of attention, episodic memory, and learning in current and previous ecstasy users
compared to non-ecstasy polydrug users. The prediction that current and heavy previous
ecstasy users would perform worse on the neuropsychological tests, when compared to
polydrug control group, denoting neurological damage was not confirmed. The previous
light ecstasy users' performance was also equivalent to the poly drug control group,
suggesting that excessive ecstasy use is required to reveal cognitive impairments .. The
results suggest that the amount of ecstasy consumed by the participants did not lead to
cognitive impairments in the brain regions investigated and supports a 'moderation idea'.
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