Syllogistic reasoning performance in MDMA (Ecstasy) users.
Previous research has demonstrated working memory and executive deficits in recreational users of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; Ecstasy). In turn, both of these constructs have been implicated in syllogistic reasoning performance. Twenty-two MDMA users (mean age = 21.36) and 26 MDMA nonuser controls (mean age = 21.31) were tested on syllogisms of varying difficulty and on measures of working memory and executive functioning. MDMA users were significantly impaired in aspects of syllogistic reasoning, and the effect remained significant after the authors controlled for the use of other drugs. However, the MDMA-related variance was reduced to below statistical significance following control for group differences in working memory span. The results are consistent with the possibility that MDMA-related deficits in aspects of executive functioning result in impaired reasoning performance among MDMA users.
Montgomery
Catharine
C
School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
Fisk
John E
JE
Newcombe
Russell
R
Wareing
Michelle
M
Murphy
Philip N
PN
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008128:Logic; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000187:drug effects*; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects
D006213:Hallucinogens; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine