Thus , the current state of research does not allow for the conclusion that long-term use of MDMA affects decision-making behavior in general .
Different cognitive impairments have been reported as a result of long-term MDMA/ecstasy use .
Increased impulsivity and altered decision-making have been shown to be associated with the development and maintenance of addictive disorders pointing toward the necessity to underst and a potential impairment of decision-making due to MDMA use .
Thus , assessing the long-term effects of MDMA is crucial in order to evaluate its controversially discussed therapeutic use .
The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the scientific literature on potential effects of chronic MDMA use on higher order decision-making processes in humans .
Psychopathological, neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDE), psilocybin and d-methamphetamine in healthy volunteers
Results of an experimental double-blind placebo-controlled study
Abstract The aim of this study was to contribute to the characterization of the entactogen ( ecstasy ) substance group . The psychopathological , neuroendocrine and autonomic effects of common recreational doses of the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine ( MDE ) , the hallucinogen psilocybin , the stimulant d-methamphetamine and placebo were investigated in a double-blind study with healthy volunteers ( n = 32 ) .  Psychological effects of the drugs were assessed by means of st and ardized rating scales , self assessment inventories and free descriptions . The most characteristic effects of MDE were pleasant emotional experiences of relaxation , peacefulness , content and closeness to others . However , significant stimulant and hallucinogen-like effects were also present , although the latter were weaker than the effects of psilocybin . MDE elicited the strongest endocrine and autonomic effects among the three drugs , including robust rises of serum cortisol and prolactin , elevations of blood pressure and heart rate , and a moderate , but significant rise of body temperature . The apparent contrast between psychological and autonomic effects ( subjective relaxation versus physical activation ) was a unique feature of the MDE state . Our findings are in line with both users ’ reports and results from previous experimental studies , and support the view that entactogens constitute a distinct psychoactive substance class taking an intermediate position between hallucinogens and stimulants
Thus , the current state of research does not allow for the conclusion that long-term use of MDMA affects decision-making behavior in general .
Different cognitive impairments have been reported as a result of long-term MDMA/ecstasy use .
Increased impulsivity and altered decision-making have been shown to be associated with the development and maintenance of addictive disorders pointing toward the necessity to underst and a potential impairment of decision-making due to MDMA use .
Thus , assessing the long-term effects of MDMA is crucial in order to evaluate its controversially discussed therapeutic use .
The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the scientific literature on potential effects of chronic MDMA use on higher order decision-making processes in humans .