Patterns of Memory Dysfunction in Current and 2-year Abstinent MDMA Users
Jeff Ward, Kate Hall, Catherine Haslam
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology March 21, 2006 DOI: 10.1080/13803390490918174 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMDMA, also known as ecstasy, is a selective serotonin neurotoxin in many species and has been linked to memory problems in humans. Recent research indicates that this memory impairment can last for at least a year after stopping use, but it was unclear which stage of memory processing is affected. This study compared 31 current MDMA users, 30 former users who had abstained for over two years, and 30 non-users using the WMS-III memory test. The results suggest MDMA use is associated with memory dysfunction that persists for up to two years after cessation, and that the impairment may stem from interference during the encoding stage of memory processing.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 91 |
| Population | Current MDMA users, former MDMA users abstinent for over two years, and non-user controls |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Memory impairment Memory disorder Recreational drug |
| Citations | 28 |
| Key finding | MDMA use is associated with memory dysfunction that persists for up to two years after cessation, possibly due to interference at the encoding stage of memory processing. |
Abstract
The popular recreational drug MDMA or "ecstasy" is a selective serotonin neurotoxin in many species and has been found to be associated with memory dysfunction in human beings. Recent studies suggest that this impairment persists after cessation of use for periods up to at least one year. However, there is no clear indication as yet concerning which stage of memory processing is impaired as a result of MDMA use. In the current study, 31 current MDMA users and 30 MDMA users who had been abstinent for more than two years were compared with 30 controls on the WMS-III. The results suggest that MDMA use is associated with memory dysfunction and that this dysfunction persists for up to two years after cessation of use. Importantly, the findings suggest that this memory dysfunction may be due to interference at the encoding stage of memory processing.