Differential Effects of Ecstasy on Short-Term and Working Memory: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Quantitative analysis of studies examining the effect of ecstasy on short-term and working memory in the verbal and visuo-spatial domain was undertaken. Thirty verbal short-term memory, 22 verbal working memory, 12 visuospatial short-term memory and 9 visuospatial working memory studies met inclusion criteria. Ecstasy users performed significantly worse in all memory domains, both in studies using drug-naïve controls and studies using polydrug controls. These results are consistent with previous meta-analytic findings that ecstasy use is associated with impaired short-term memory function. Lifetime ecstasy consumption predicted effect size in working memory but not in short-term memory. The current meta-analysis adds to the literature by showing that ecstasy use in humans is also associated with impaired working memory, and that this impairment is related to total lifetime ecstasy consumption. These findings highlight the long-term, cumulative behavioral consequences associated with ecstasy use in humans.

Impact of HIV infection and alcohol on cognition: a review

“…For example, use of certain drugs of abuse with known cognitive side effects, such as ecstasy, is becoming more widespread among younger HIV-infected individuals. 59 Consequently, in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients who present with subtle cognitive symptoms or mild cognitive impairment in the absence of the prototypical motor or psychomotor slowing, it is important to consider both HIV-related and non-HIV-related causes of mild cognitive impairment (Table 3).…”

Cognitive Impairments in Drug Addicts

“…Previous and current research demonstrate that abusing ecstasy is strongly associated with deteriorated working memory, and that this worsening correlates to the total lifetime of ecstasy consumption. These findings stresses the long-term, cumulative behavioral manifestations linked to ecstasy use in humans (Nulsen et al, 2010). Ecstasy users often show decreased levels of serotonin, its metabolite 5-HIAA, tryptophan hydroxylase and SERT density during abstinence.…”

Amnésie antérograde consécutive à l’absorption de MDMA et d’alcool : à propos d’un cas

“…D'autres études ont montré que la consommation chronique et massive de MDMA semble être à l'origine de déficit de la mémoire épisodique [2], d'altérations de la mémoire verbale et de l'apprentissage [17] et d'une diminution significative de la mémoire à court terme et de la mémoire de travail aussi bien au niveau verbal que visio-spatial [18]. Certains auteurs remettent cependant en cause l'existence d'un lien direct entre consommation d'ecstasy et perturbations mnésiques.…”