MDMA use and neurocognition: a meta-analytic review.
BACKGROUND
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.
Kalechstein
Ari D
AD
Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. adk@ucla.edu
De La Garza
Richard
R
Mahoney
James J
JJ
Fantegrossi
William E
WE
Newton
Thomas F
TF
D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000187:drug effects; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects
D006213:Hallucinogens; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine