3,4-methylenedioxyamfetamine (ecstasy) use reduces cognition

Chummun, Harry, Ibe, Jude and Tilley, Victoria (2009) 3,4-methylenedioxyamfetamine (ecstasy) use reduces cognition. British Journal of Nursing, 19 (2). pp. 94-100. ISSN 0966-0461 (Print), 0966-0461 (Online)

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Abstract

3,4-methylenedioxyamfetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) use reduces cognition by reducing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the central nervous system. This results in dose-related cognitive impairment, particularly in complex cognitive skills, as well as causing disorder such as mood changes, hallucinations, altered perception and memory loss. MDMA reduces the level of these neurotransmitters within the neural synapses by reducing the number of intraneural transporters to the synaptic cleft, increasing deactivation within the synapse and/or increasing degradation within the pre- and postsynaptic neurons. Users may have varied reasons for MDMA use and therefore requires help and support from their families or friends, and knowledgeable
and well-skilled healthcare professionals for successful abstinence, avoidance of further psychological damage and a reversal of adverse health effects or reduction in their severity.

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