Background
Working memory processing in ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) users is
associated with neural alterations as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Here, we examined whether cortical activation patterns change after prolonged periods
of continued use or abstinence from ecstasy and amphetamine.
Methods
We used an n-back task and functional magnetic resonance imaging in 17 ecstasy users
at baseline (t1) and after 18 months (t2). Based on the reported drug use at t2 we separated subjects with continued ecstasy and amphetamine use from subjects reporting
abstinence during the follow-up period (n = 9 and n = 8, respectively).
Results
At baseline both groups had similar task performance and similar cortical activation
patterns. Task performance remained unchanged in both groups. Furthermore, there were
no detectable functional magnetic resonance imaging signal changes from t1 to t2 in the follow-up abstinent group. However, the continuing users showed a dose-dependent
increased parietal activation for the 2-back task after the follow-up period.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that ecstasy use, particularly in high doses, is associated with
greater parietal activation during working memory performance. An altered activation
pattern might appear before changes in cognitive performance become apparent and,
hence, may reflect an early stage of neuronal injury from the neurotoxic drug ecstasy.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 19, 2004
Accepted:
June 7,
2004
Received in revised form:
May 13,
2004
Received:
February 5,
2004
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
