MDMA use and neurocognition: A meta-analytic review

Ari D. Kalechstein, Richard De La Garza, James J. Mahoney, William E. Fantegrossi, Thomas F. Newton

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

108 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rationale: To determine the association between MDMA misuse and neurocognition using meta-analysis. Objective: Separate analyses were conducted based on two sets of inclusion/exclusion criteria. A relatively stringent set required that the subjects be matched on important moderator variables, whereas the other did not. The study participants' performance in the following neurocognitive domains was reviewed: attention/concentration, verbal and nonverbal learning and memory, psychomotor speed and executive systems functioning. Results: In the 11 studies meeting the relatively stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria for this review, MDMA use was associated with neurocognitive deficits in each domain. Similarly, in the 23 studies meeting the relatively lenient inclusion/exclusion criteria for this review, MDMA use was associated with neurocognitive deficits in each domain. Small to medium effect sizes were generally observed. A comparison of the effect sizes across the two sets of analyses did not reveal significant differences. Conclusions: The findings from this review reveal that MDMA use is associated with neurocognitive deficits. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)531-537
Number of pages7
JournalPsychopharmacology
Volume189
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cognition
  • Drug abuse
  • Drug dependence
  • Ecstasy
  • Neuropsychology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology

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