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Ecstasy use and higher-level cognitive functions: weak effects of ecstasy after control for potential confounds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2008

G. Bedi  and
J. Redman
G. Bedi*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
J. Redman
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
*
*Address for correspondence: G. Bedi, D.Psych., Human Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 3077, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. (Email: gbedi@bsd.uchicago.edu)
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Abstract

Background

Although there have been several reports linking ecstasy use with lowered cognitive function, much previous research suffers from substantial methodological limitations. The present study aimed to examine associations between ecstasy use and higher-level cognitive functions, using a larger sample size than most previous research and better controlling for a range of potential confounds.

Method

A cross-sectional cohort design assessed 45 currently abstinent ecstasy polydrug users (EP), 48 cannabis polydrug users (CP) and 40 legal drug users (LD). Standardized neuropsychological tests were used to measure attention, verbal, visual and working memory and executive function. Prospective memory function was also assessed.

Results

It was not possible to discriminate between groups on the basis of the cognitive functions assessed. Regression analyses showed an inverse association between lifetime dose of ecstasy and verbal memory performance. A combination of drug-use variables, including measures of ecstasy use, contributed to prediction of attention/working memory. However, individual associations were small, explaining 1–6% of variance in cognitive scores.

Conclusions

Although the results suggest that heavy use of ecstasy is associated with some lowering of higher-level cognitive functions, they do not indicate a clinical picture of substantial cognitive dysfunction.

Keywords

Cannabiscognitionecstasymemorypolydrug
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 38 , Issue 9 , September 2008 , pp. 1319 - 1330
Copyright
Copyright © 2008 Cambridge University Press

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