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A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration

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Amphetamine analogs methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) differentially affect speech.

Gina F Marrone¹, Jennifer S Pardo, Robert M Krauss

¹Division of Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 120, New York, NY 10032, USA.

Psychopharmacology

|November 17, 2009

Summary

Methamphetamine enhanced speech fluency and quantity, contrary to popular belief. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) impaired fluency and concentration, aligning with some anecdotal reports.

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Area of Science:

Psychopharmacology
Neuroscience
Speech Science

Background:

Anecdotal reports on methamphetamine and MDMA's speech effects are common.
Scientific investigation into these effects is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

To objectively assess the impact of methamphetamine and MDMA on speech production.
To compare the effects of these stimulants in a controlled, within-participant design.

Main Methods:

Eleven recreational amphetamine users participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Participants received methamphetamine (20, 40 mg), MDMA (100 mg), or placebo on separate occasions.
Speech samples (movie descriptions) and mood ratings were collected post-administration.

Main Results:

Methamphetamine increased speech quantity, fluency, and talkativeness, while reducing pause duration.
MDMA decreased speech fluency and increased self-reported concentration difficulties.
Undergraduates rated methamphetamine-influenced speech as more coherent than MDMA-influenced speech.

Conclusions:

Methamphetamine demonstrably improved verbal fluency, while MDMA impaired it.
These findings align with broader cognitive effects of these drugs.
Results partially support and contradict popular beliefs and anecdotal evidence regarding methamphetamine and MDMA's speech impacts.