There is no convincing evidence that moderate MDMA use is associated with structural or functional brain alterations in neuroimaging measures .
MDMA ( " ecstasy " ) is widely used as a recreational drug , although there has been some debate about its neurotoxic effects in humans .
However , most studies have investigated subjects with heavy use patterns , and the effects of transient MDMA use are unclear .
In this review , we therefore focus on subjects with moderate use patterns , in order to assess the evidence for harmful effects .
Cerebral activation in abstinent ecstasy (MDMA) users during a working memory task: a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study.
The popular recreational drug ecstasy ( 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine = MDMA and related congeners ) is neurotoxic upon central serotonergic systems in animal studies . So far , the most convincing evidence for neurotoxicity-related functional deficits in humans derives from neurocognitive studies demonstrating dose-related long-term learning and memory problems in ecstasy users . In our study we used functional magnetic resonance imaging ( fMRI ) and a working memory task to investigate cerebral activation in eleven heavy , but currently abstinent MDMA users and two equally sized groups of moderate users and non-users . There were no significant group differences in working memory performance and no differences in cortical activation patterns for a conservative level of significance . However , for a more liberal statistical criterion , both user groups showed stronger activations than controls in right parietal cortex . Furthermore , heavy users had a weaker blood oxygenation level-dependent ( BOLD ) response than moderate users and controls in frontal and temporal areas . Our results may indicate subtle altered brain functioning associated with prior MDMA use , although alternative interpretations of these group differences must be considered
There is no convincing evidence that moderate MDMA use is associated with structural or functional brain alterations in neuroimaging measures .
MDMA ( " ecstasy " ) is widely used as a recreational drug , although there has been some debate about its neurotoxic effects in humans .
However , most studies have investigated subjects with heavy use patterns , and the effects of transient MDMA use are unclear .
In this review , we therefore focus on subjects with moderate use patterns , in order to assess the evidence for harmful effects .