Cognition in Novice Ecstasy Users With Minimal Exposure to Other Drugs

Schilt, Thelma; Win, Maartje M. L. de; Koeter, Maarten W. J.; Jager, Gerry; Korf, D.J.; Brink, Wim van den; Schmand, Ben

doi:10.1001/archpsyc.64.6.728

Cited by 81 publications

(75 citation statements)

References 79 publications

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“…Second, the fact that some of the polydrug controls had some experience with ecstasy complicates the interpretation of the findings of this study. In our previous study in novice ecstasy users, differences in verbal memory were detected after a mean use of 3.2 tablets lifetime (Schilt et al 2007). However, the fact that differences between the moderate/heavy and the none/mild groups of ecstasy user were found makes it very likely that ecstasy use is associated with verbal memory impairments.…”

Section: Strengths and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 90%

Long-term neuropsychological effects of ecstasy in middle-aged ecstasy/polydrug users

et al. 2009

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Rationale Studies reporting ecstasy-induced serotonintoxicity and (neuro)psychological dysfunctions have been conducted in young adults. Little is known about ecstasy effects later in life, when serotonin levels and cognition decrease as a consequence of normal ageing. Objective This study aimed to assess whether harmful effects of ecstasy only add to or also interact with agerelated neuropsychological decline. Methods Attention, verbal and visual memory, visuospatial ability, self-reported depression, sensation-seeking and impulsivity were assessed in middle-aged moderate to heavy ecstasy/polydrug users (n=17) and compared with none or very mild ecstasy using polydrug users (matched for age, gender, intelligence and other drugs; n=16) and a group of drug-naive controls (n=20). Results Moderate to heavy ecstasy/polydrug users performed significantly worse on a verbal memory task than none or very mild ecstasy using polydrug users and drug naives. Moderate and heavy ecstasy/polydrug users also differed significantly from drug-naives on measures of depression, sensation-seeking and impulsivity but not from none or very mild ecstasy-using polydrug users. Conclusion This study in middle-aged ecstasy/polydrug users replicated findings of studies in younger ecstasy users, showing a harmful effect of ecstasy on verbal memory. There was no clear support for an interaction between harmful effects of ecstasy use and age-related memory decline or mid-life depression.

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Section: Strengths and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 90%

Long-term neuropsychological effects of ecstasy in middle-aged ecstasy/polydrug users

et al. 2009

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“…A detailed description of the design and objectives of the NeXT study is provided in a paper on the methods (De Win et al 2005). Besides fMRI, subjects underwent SPECT, MR imaging, and cognitive testing; results of these measurements are or will be reported in separate publications Schilt et al 2007). …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Incidental use of ecstasy: no evidence for harmful effects on cognitive brain function in a prospective fMRI study

et al. 2007

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Rationale Heavy ecstasy use in humans has been associated with cognitive impairments and changes in cognitive brain function supposedly due to damage to the serotonin system. There is concern that even a single dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine may be neurotoxic, but very little is known about the consequences of a low dose of ecstasy for cognitive brain function. Objectives The objective of the study was to assess the effects of a low dose of ecstasy on human cognitive brain function using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Materials and method We prospectively studied, as part of the NeXT (Netherlands XTC toxicity) study, sustained effects of a low dose of ecstasy on brain function in 25 subjects before and after their first episode of ecstasy use (mean 2.0±1.4 ecstasy pills, on average 11.1±12.9 weeks since last ecstasy use), compared to 24 persistent ecstasy-naive controls, also measured twice and matched with the novice users on age, gender, IQ, and cannabis use. Cognitive brain function was measured in the domains of working memory, selective attention, and associative memory using fMRI.Results No significant effects were found of a low dose of ecstasy on working memory, selective attention, or associative memory neither at the behavioral level nor at the neurophysiological level. Conclusions This study yielded no firm evidence for sustained effects of a low dose of ecstasy on human cognitive brain function. The present findings are relevant for the development of prevention and harm reduction strategies. Furthermore, the study is relevant to the discussion concerning potential therapeutic use of ecstasy.

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“…Diversos estudios han mostrado evidencia del deterioro del funcionamiento ejecutivo asociado al abuso de sustancias, como la heroína (Fishbein, Krupitsky, Flannery, Langevin, Bobashev, Verbitskaya et al, 2007;Prosser, Cohen, Steinfeld, Eisenberg, London y Galynker, 2006), cocaína (Forcada, Pardo y Bondía, 2006;Hester y Garavan, 2004), éxtasis (Schilt, de Win, Koeter, Jager, Korf, van den Brink et al, 2007), alcohol (Landa, Fernández-Montalvo y Tirapu, 2004;Landa, Fernández-Montalvo, Tirapu, López-Goñi, Castillo y Lorea, 2006) o policonsumos (Giancola y Mezzich, 2003;Verdejo y Pérez-García, 2007). Los resultados obtenidos en estos estudios muestran que puede ser útil contar con un instrumento de evaluación de línea base que permita desarrollar un screening inicial de déficit en las funciones ejecutivas en sujetos que acceden a un tratamiento por problemas derivados del uso de drogas.…”

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Versión española del Cuestionario Disejecutivo (DEX-Sp): propiedades psicométricas en adictos y población no clínica

Pérez¹,

León

Mota

et al. 2009

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Objective: Several studies have shown evidence of executive function impairment associated with substance abuse. This suggests the potential usefulness of a baseline assessment measure to screen for dysexecutive impairments in individuals beginning treatment. The Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) is a test widely used to estimate executive dysfunction. The main objective of this work is to study the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX-Sp). A complementary goal is to study its potential utility for initial screening in addicted individuals seeking treatment. Method: A sample of 131 non-clinical and 127 clinical individuals meeting the DSM-IV-TR substance abuse or dependence criteria were recruited. Results: Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed (Cronbach's α =0.91), as well as other reliability indicators. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis offers four-and five-factor solutions. Also tested were the dimensionality and structural model and its convergent and discriminant validity with other instruments. Differences between clinical and non-clinical individuals and total scores were also analyzed. Conclusions: The data suggest that the Spanish version of the DEX is a useful measure for assessing general symptoms of dysexecutive syndrome, and a valid, reliable and adequate screening test for estimating cognitive impairment associated with substance abuse.Key words: Executive functions, dysexecutive syndrome, frontal lobe, addictive behaviour, questionnaires, psychometrics, factor analysis, treatment. RESUMEN ABSTRACTObjetivo: Diversos estudios han evidenciado el deterioro de las funciones ejecutivas asociado al abuso de sustancias. Este hecho sugiere la conveniencia de contar con algún instrumento de cribado que sirva para establecer una línea base sobre los déficits que presentan los sujetos que inician tratamiento. El Cuestionario Disejecutivo (DEX) es un test ampliamente utilizado para estimar disfunción ejecutiva. El principal objetivo del presente trabajo se centra en estudiar las propiedades de la versión española del Cuestionario Disejecutivo (DEX-Sp). Complementariamente se pretende estudiar su potencial utilidad como instrumento de cribado en adictos en tratamiento. Método: 131 sujetos de población no clínica y 127 adictos (con criterios DSM-IV-TR para abuso o dependencia). Resultados: Se estudia la consistencia interna (α de Cronbach = 0,91) entre otros indicadores de fiabilidad. El análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio ofrece soluciones de 4 y 5 factores. Se estudió la dimensionalidad y el modelo estructural de base, así como la validez convergente y discriminante. Se estudiaron las diferencias apreciadas entre adictos y población no clínica. Conclusiones: Los datos sugieren que la versión española del DEX es un instrumento útil para evaluar síntomas disejecutivos generales, con la suficiente fiabilidad y validez para explorar deterioro cognitivo asociado al abuso de sustancias.

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Cognition in Novice Ecstasy Users With Minimal Exposure to Other Drugs

Cited by 81 publications

References 79 publications

Long-term neuropsychological effects of ecstasy in middle-aged ecstasy/polydrug users

Long-term neuropsychological effects of ecstasy in middle-aged ecstasy/polydrug users

Incidental use of ecstasy: no evidence for harmful effects on cognitive brain function in a prospective fMRI study

Versión española del Cuestionario Disejecutivo (DEX-Sp): propiedades psicométricas en adictos y población no clínica

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