Neurological and cognitive alterations induced by MDMA in humans
Catharine Montgomery1, Carl A Roberts2
1School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
Abstract:
3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine generally referred to as MDMA or 'ecstasy' is a ring-substituted phenethylamine stimulant which produces powerful empathogenic effects. Use of MDMA remains popular despite prohibition, and potential long-term negative consequences of repeated use. MDMA produces its acute subjective effects primarily by stimulating the release of serotonin via action at the serotonin transporter (SERT). There is evidence that MDMA administration may lead to long lasting neurotoxic effects on serotonin neurons in primates, and reductions in markers of central serotonin axons, and axon terminals in animals. In humans, demonstration of serotonergic neurotoxicity is much more difficult to identify, and much of the research is complicated by confounding issues of polysubstance use, genetic and environmental factors and reliance on self-reports of previous drug use. We do not review the mechanisms for neurotoxicity in detail as they are covered elsewhere in this special issue. There is a large body of literature, however, which has investigated potential cognitive and neurocognitive consequences of repeated MDMA use. Here we review the literature on cognition, and neuroimaging studies that have investigated structural and functional brain changes associated with ecstasy use.
Insights
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or ecstasy, is a popular stimulant. Research reviews cognitive and neuroimaging studies on the long-term effects of repeated MDMA use on the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is a widely used phenethylamine stimulant.
- MDMA is known for its powerful empathogenic effects, but its repeated use carries potential long-term negative consequences.
- MDMA primarily exerts its acute effects by increasing serotonin release through action on the serotonin transporter (SERT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the cognitive and neurocognitive consequences of repeated MDMA use.
- To examine neuroimaging studies investigating structural and functional brain changes associated with ecstasy consumption.
- To synthesize current understanding of the impact of MDMA on human cognition and brain structure/function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cognitive studies related to MDMA use.
- Analysis of neuroimaging research examining brain alterations in ecstasy users.
- Synthesis of findings from animal and human studies on MDMA's neurotoxic potential.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests potential long-lasting neurotoxic effects of MDMA on serotonin neurons in animal models.
- Demonstrating serotonergic neurotoxicity in humans is challenging due to confounding factors like polysubstance use and genetic variability.
- A significant body of literature explores the cognitive and neurocognitive outcomes linked to repeated MDMA consumption.
Conclusions:
- While animal studies indicate potential neurotoxicity, human evidence is complex and requires careful interpretation.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term cognitive and neurobiological impacts of MDMA use in humans.
- Neuroimaging studies provide valuable insights into the structural and functional brain changes associated with ecstasy use.
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