Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Brain Morphology of Cannabis Users With or Without Psychosis: A Pilot MRI Study
Published on: August 18, 2020
Neurocognitive function in current and ex-users of ecstasy in comparison to both matched polydrug-using controls and
Rosa Hoshi1, Kate Mullins, Catherine Boundy
1Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Sub-department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. rosahoshi@googlemail.com
Rationale:
Despite years of research and much controversy surrounding the effects of ecstasy use, findings are equivocal. Attempting to reduce methodological problems, such as concurrent use of other recreational drugs, could lead to a clearer picture of the effects of ecstasy use on cognitive function.
Objectives:
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of both prolonged abstention from ecstasy use and current use on cognitive function while controlling for the regular use of other recreational drugs used by ecstasy users (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and lysergic acid diethylamide).
Materials And Methods:
A range of cognitive functions (including working memory, episodic memory, verbal learning and executive functions) was assessed in 109 participants: 25 current ecstasy users, 28 ex-ecstasy users (abstinent for at least 1 year), 29 polydrug-using controls (matched to both ecstasy-using groups for the use of other recreational drugs) and 27 drug-naïve controls.
Results:
There was an overall tendency for impaired verbal learning and memory in both current ecstasy users and polydrug controls. There was also evidence of reduced response inhibition in the current ecstasy users and polydrug controls, which appeared to be related to recency of drug use. However, the majority of tests showed no group differences.
Conclusions:
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.
More Related Videos
15:05Functional Evaluation of Biological Neurotoxins in Networked Cultures of Stem Cell-derived Central Nervous System Neurons
Published on: February 5, 2015
10:17High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Related Concept Videos
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
An Overview of Psychoactive Drugs
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids