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Cognitive function and mood in MDMA/THC users, THC users and non-drug using controls.

C T J Lamers1, A Bechara, M Rizzo

  • 1Experimental Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Neurocognition, Brain and Behaviour Institute, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.

Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|March 3, 2006
PubMed
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Repeated ecstasy (MDMA) use is linked to more depression and anxiety. Cognitive impairments seen in MDMA/THC users may be due to concurrent marijuana (THC) use, not solely MDMA.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Addiction Research

Background:

  • Ecstasy (MDMA) use is associated with cognitive deficits and mood disturbances.
  • Previous studies often fail to control for concurrent use of other substances, particularly marijuana (THC).
  • This limitation complicates the attribution of observed effects solely to MDMA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct effects of MDMA and THC on mental health and cognitive function.
  • To compare MDMA/THC users with THC-only users and non-drug controls.
  • To determine if cognitive impairments attributed to MDMA are confounded by THC use.

Main Methods:

  • Behavioral performance was assessed in three groups: MDMA/THC users (n=11), THC users (n=15), and non-drug users (n=15).

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  • Participants were matched for age and intellectual capacity.
  • Cognitive domains tested included memory, executive function, decision-making, psychomotor speed, and mental flexibility.

    • Main Results:

    • MDMA/THC users reported significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety than both THC users and non-drug users.
    • Memory function was impaired in both MDMA/THC and THC-only user groups.
    • While MDMA/THC users showed slower psychomotor speed and reduced mental flexibility compared to controls, THC users exhibited similar impairments in mental flexibility and decision-making tasks.

    Conclusions:

    • MDMA use is associated with increased depression and anxiety compared to THC use alone.
    • Cognitive deficits in psychomotor speed and mental flexibility are evident in MDMA/THC users.
    • Some cognitive impairments previously attributed to MDMA may be attributable to concurrent THC use, highlighting the importance of controlling for polysubstance use.