Neurocognitive function in current and ex-users of ecstasy in comparison to both matched polydrug-using controls and drug-naïve controls

Abstract

The results suggest that recreational drug use in general, rather than ecstasy use per se, can lead to subtle cognitive impairments and that recent drug use appears to impact strongest on cognitive performance. This study highlights the importance of controlling for the use of all recreational drugs and, in particular, recent drug use when investigating 'effects of ecstasy' on cognitive function.

Is moderate substance use associated with altered executive functioning in a population‐based sample of young adults?

“…More frequent use of ecstasy was associated with more mistakes. Similar results have been reported by Fox et al (2001Fox et al ( , 2002 and Wareing et al (2007), although it has to be noted that there have also been negative findings (Hoshi et al, 2007). Taken together, our results suggest a subtle impairment of the central executive component of working memory (Baddeley, 2003): Again, this finding may reflect dysfunctions within frontal brain areas (Fray and Robbins, 1996).…”

“…Fox et al, 2001;von Geusau et al, 2004), although there are also negative results (e.g. Hoshi et al, 2007). Concerning fluency tasks, some studies reported a weaker performance (Bhattachary and Powell, 2001;Croft et al, 2001;Fox et al, 2002;Heffernan et al, 2001), but again, other studies were not able to replicate these findings (Hoshi et al, 2007;Reneman et al, 2006b;Wareing et al, 2000), or, in one case, even showed contradictory results, with lower verbal and better figural fluency performance (Yip and Lee, 2005).…”

“…Hoshi et al, 2007). Concerning fluency tasks, some studies reported a weaker performance (Bhattachary and Powell, 2001;Croft et al, 2001;Fox et al, 2002;Heffernan et al, 2001), but again, other studies were not able to replicate these findings (Hoshi et al, 2007;Reneman et al, 2006b;Wareing et al, 2000), or, in one case, even showed contradictory results, with lower verbal and better figural fluency performance (Yip and Lee, 2005). Inhibitory functions, as measured with the Stroop interference condition, Stop Signal Reaction Time, or Go/Nogo -paradigms, often seem to be largely unaffected in ecstasy users (Croft et al, 2001;Fox et al, 2002;Quednow et al, 2007;Reneman et al, 2006b;Verdejo-Garcia et al, 2008;von Geusau et al, 2004).…”

“…Some studies show negative results (e.g. Bhattachary and Powell, 2001;Dafters et al, 2004;Hoshi et al, 2007;Morgan, 1998;Parrott et al, 1998;Rodgers, 2000;Schilt et al, 2007;Yip and Lee, 2005). In many of the latter studies, users show comparably low lifetime doses (of less than 50 pills on average).…”

“…Finally, there are several studies indicating that ecstasy users show higher levels of trait impulsivity (e.g. Butler and Montgomery, 2004;Dafters, 2006b;Daumann et al, 2001Daumann et al, , 2004Hoshi et al, 2007;Morgan, 1998).…”