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The Dark Side of Ecstasy: Neuropsychiatric Symptoms after Exposure to 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Author(s) -
Karlsen Sunniva Nyberg,
Spigset Olav,
Slørdal Lars
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
basic and clinical pharmacology and toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.805
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1742-7843
pISSN - 1742-7835
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00159.x
Subject(s) - mdma , ecstasy , hallucinogen , psychopathology , psychiatry , psychology , cognition , medicine
3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a known neurotoxin in animals. This review discusses the history, pattern of use, pharmacology, acute and long‐term effects of MDMA. Emphasis is given to the concern that MDMA may induce long‐term cognitive and psychiatric effects. MDMA is an illegal substance, and investigations of the effects of exposure in human beings have limitations and weaknesses. There are numerous studies suggesting a correlation between MDMA exposure and psychopathology, and that the psychotropic effects may be long‐lasting or permanent. However, it is not possible to conclude that there is a causal relationship between exposure and the increased psychopathology observed in MDMA users. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess whether MDMA causes persistent cognitive impairment and/or psychiatric symptoms in human beings.