title: Everyday and prospective memory deficits in ecstasy/polydrug users.
abstract: The impact of ecstasy/polydrug use on real-world memory (i.e. everyday memory, cognitive failures and prospective memory [PM]) was investigated in a sample of 42 ecstasy/polydrug users and 31 non-ecstasy users. Laboratory-based PM tasks were administered along with self-reported measures of PM to test whether any ecstasy/polydrug-related impairment on the different aspects of PM was present. Self-reported measures of everyday memory and cognitive failures were also administered. Ecstasy/polydrug associated deficits were observed on both laboratory and self-reported measures of PM and everyday memory. The present study extends previous research by demonstrating that deficits in PM are real and cannot be simply attributed to self-misperceptions. The deficits observed reflect some general capacity underpinning both time- and event-based PM contexts and are not task specific. Among this group of ecstasy/polydrug users recreational use of cocaine was also prominently associated with PM deficits. Further research might explore the differential effects of individual illicit drugs on real-world memory.
authors.affiliation: University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
authors.forename: Florentia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hadjiefthyvoulou
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Fisk
authors.forename: Catharine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Montgomery
authors.forename: Nikola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bridges
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D032882:Comprehension / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine