Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Hughes, Katherine M.

Abstract

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'.

Extent

47 p.

Comments

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2006.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Identifier

FA00000805

Format

pdf

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