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Measurement of Cognitive Function using the CANT AB Neuropsychological Battery in Current and Previous Human Ecstasy (MDMA) Users: A Polydrug Control Study

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Date Issued:
2006
Summary:
Widespread use of the illicit drug ecstasy (MDMA or 3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetarnine) and the possible neurological damage caused by its abuse is disconcerting. This study examined possible cognitive impairments in ecstasy users while controlling for polydrug use. The CANT AB neuropsychological tests was used to test working memory capacity, immediate and delayed perceptual matching, shifting of attention, episodic memory, and learning in current and previous ecstasy users compared to non-ecstasy polydrug users. The prediction that current and heavy previous ecstasy users would perform worse on the neuropsychological tests, when compared to polydrug control group, denoting neurological damage was not confirmed. The previous light ecstasy users' performance was also equivalent to the poly drug control group, suggesting that excessive ecstasy use is required to reveal cognitive impairments .. The results suggest that the amount of ecstasy consumed by the participants did not lead to cognitive impairments in the brain regions investigated and supports a 'moderation idea'.
Title: Measurement of Cognitive Function using the CANT AB Neuropsychological Battery in Current and Previous Human Ecstasy (MDMA) Users: A Polydrug Control Study.
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Name(s): Paz, Andres L.
Hughes, Katherine M., Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2006
Date Issued: 2006
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 47 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Widespread use of the illicit drug ecstasy (MDMA or 3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetarnine) and the possible neurological damage caused by its abuse is disconcerting. This study examined possible cognitive impairments in ecstasy users while controlling for polydrug use. The CANT AB neuropsychological tests was used to test working memory capacity, immediate and delayed perceptual matching, shifting of attention, episodic memory, and learning in current and previous ecstasy users compared to non-ecstasy polydrug users. The prediction that current and heavy previous ecstasy users would perform worse on the neuropsychological tests, when compared to polydrug control group, denoting neurological damage was not confirmed. The previous light ecstasy users' performance was also equivalent to the poly drug control group, suggesting that excessive ecstasy use is required to reveal cognitive impairments .. The results suggest that the amount of ecstasy consumed by the participants did not lead to cognitive impairments in the brain regions investigated and supports a 'moderation idea'.
Identifier: FA00000805 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2006.
Note(s): Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Subject(s): Ecstasy (Drug)--Psychological effect
Designer drugs--Physiological effect
Drugs of abuse--Physiological effect
Attachment behavior--Case studies
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000805
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
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Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.