http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/ecstasy/ Read medical research on ecstasy (MDMA) including recent research on the effect of ecstasy on memory, heart attack risk and the unborn child. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/ecstasy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165114.htm Recreational use of Ecstasy -- the illegal "rave" drug that produces feelings of euphoria and emotional warmth -- is associated with chronic changes in the human brain, researchers have discovered. The findings add to the growing evidence that Ecstasy produces long-lasting serotonin neurotoxicity in humans. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114221018.htm A high childhood IQ may be linked to subsequent illegal drug use, particularly among women, new research suggests. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114221018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627192918.htm A national survey has found that more than one in twenty Australian workers report using alcohol while at work or just before work, and more than one in fifty report taking drugs during or just before work. The findings have implications for workplace safety. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627192918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503143512.htm Ecstasy -- the illegal "rave" drug that produces feelings of euphoria and emotional warmth -- may have therapeutic value. Clinical trials are testing Ecstasy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. It's important, therefore, to define the impact of Ecstasy on brain function. Researchers report that recreational Ecstasy use is associated with a chronic change in brain function. Tue, 03 May 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503143512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215081736.htm In contrast to many prior studies, ecstasy users in a new study showed no signs of cognitive impairment attributable to drug use: ecstasy use did not decrease mental ability. Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215081736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101215082936.htm MDMA -- commonly known as ecstasy -- increases feelings of empathy and social connection. These 'empathogenic' effects suggest that MDMA might be useful to enhance the psychotherapy of people who struggle to feel connected to others, as may occur in association with autism, schizophrenia, or antisocial personality disorder. However, these effects have been difficult to measure objectively, and there has been limited research in humans. Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101215082936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100719082927.htm MDMA (also known as Ecstasy), may one day offer hope for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), even people for whom other treatments have failed. Clinical trial suggests that MDMA can be administered to subjects with PTSD without evidence of harm and could offer sufferers a vital window with reduced fear responses where psychotherapy can take effect. Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100719082927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100223100659.htm Have you ever forgotten to post an important letter or let an appointment slip your mind? A new study from UK researchers suggests that for those who regularly use ecstasy or other recreational drugs, this kind of memory lapse is more common. Their research uncovered potential links between memory deficits and cocaine for the first time. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100223100659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101821.htm Exposure to ecstasy or cocaine during adolescence increases the "reinforcing effects" that make people vulnerable to developing an addiction. This is the main conclusion of a research team that has shown for the first time how these changes persist into adulthood. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100204101821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100129092633.htm Ecstasy-related death rates in young users is a cause for concern, researchers report. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100129092633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121083121.htm Europeans belong to the largest consumers of illicit drugs, absorbing about one fifth of the global heroin, cocaine and cannabis supply, as well as one third of ecstasy production (UNODC World Drug report, 2008). However, the vast majority of Europeans have never tried any illicit substance. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100121083121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202162332.htm Repeated use of the drug popularly known as "ecstasy" significantly raises the risk of developing sleep apnea in otherwise healthy young adults with no other known risk factors for the sleep disturbance, a new study suggests. The finding is the latest highlighting the potential dangers of the amphetamine-style chemical, currently used illegally by millions of people in the United States. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202162332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124204318.htm Drug users are well informed about the harms associated with the drugs they use, and perceive alcohol and tobacco to be amongst the most dangerous substances, according to a new survey. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124204318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715160823.htm A team of researchers has mapped patterns of illicit drug use across the state of Oregon using a method of sampling municipal wastewater before it is treated. Their findings provide a one-day snapshot of drug excretion that can be used to better understand patterns of drug use in multiple municipalities over time. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715160823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529112056.htm Drug-facilitated sexual crimes are increasing. Germany's Bonn Institute for Forensic Medicine has recorded that the number of examinations on the use of intoxicants in sexual offences within their catchment area increased 10-fold between 1997 and 2006. In a new study, researchers present the modes of action and the detection windows for the most frequent substances. Fri, 29 May 2009 11:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090529112056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309092953.htm Ecstasy may help suffers of post-traumatic stress learn to deal with their memories more effectively by encouraging a feeling of safety, according to an article in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090309092953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090108121656.htm Treatment with a pharmacological version of the drug ecstasy makes PSTD patients more receptive to psychotherapy, and contributes to lasting improvement. Now researchers explain why. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090108121656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081014111204.htm Clubbers -- people who dance the night away in dance clubs -- are seeking communal, ecstatic experiences. And, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research, modern clubbers get a more controlled, legalized version of the raves of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081014111204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081009072714.htm Academics in the UK are issuing new warnings about the dangers of ecstasy and its effects on the brain. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081009072714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080818101335.htm A century-old drug, methylene blue, may be able to slow or even cure Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Used at a very low concentration -- about the equivalent of a few raindrops in four Olympic-sized swimming pools of water -- the drug slows cellular aging and enhances mitochondrial function, potentially allowing those with the diseases to live longer, healthier lives. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080818101335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080605200517.htm New guidelines have been written which will assist nightclub staff in deciding whether to call ambulances for unwell clubbers. At present, there is a worry that inappropriate management has lead to clubbers only being referred to hospital after significant problems have occurred -- leading to increased risk of injury and death. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080605200517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080531091527.htm A new study has revealed that effects of the drug ecstasy are compounded when taken in warm environments. Preclinical research shows that ecstasy deaths, which are invariably related to elevated body temperature, may be related to drug users' failure to recognize their body is abnormally hot. Sat, 31 May 2008 09:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080531091527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508222420.htm Teenagers and young adults across Europe drink and take drugs as part of deliberate sexual strategies. A third of 16-35 year old males and a quarter of females surveyed are drinking alcohol to increase their chances of sex, while cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis are intentionally used to enhance sexual arousal or prolong sex. Thu, 08 May 2008 22:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508222420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071129121127.htm Researchers say certain club drugs trigger a chemical chain reaction in the brain similar to what occurs during traumatic brain injury, leading to cell death, memory loss and potentially irreversible brain damage. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071129121127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803092825.htm There exists a direct relationship between the consumption of MDMA, or ecstasy, at a high ambient temperature and an increase in the neural damage which this drug provokes. Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803092825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070604164938.htm Even low doses of Ecstasy may be associated with a decline in language-related memory, according to a new report. Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070604164938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070302082810.htm Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered why some individuals may be predisposed to drug addiction and believe it may lead to better treatments for this brain disorder. Fri, 02 Mar 2007 08:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070302082810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061128084458.htm Researchers have discovered that even a small amount of MDMA, better known as ecstasy, can be harmful to the brain, according to the first study to look at the neurotoxic effects of low doses of the recreational drug in new ecstasy users. The findings were presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061128084458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061018150856.htm New research from the University of Cincinnati suggests that the widely abused club drug "ecstasy," or MDMA, can increase the survival of dopamine cells in the brain during fetal development. Because these cells are critical in the regulation of voluntary movement, the findings, the researchers say, may lead to better therapies for neurological diseases like Parkinson's. Wed, 18 Oct 2006 15:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061018150856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060405233546.htm Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for the neurodegenerative effects of amphetamines. These drugs are converted in the brain into free radicals, highly reactive molecules that cause neurodegenerative brain damage and whose effects manifest and linger long after the amphetamine has left the body. Wed, 05 Apr 2006 23:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060405233546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060224102254.htm Loud music prolongs the effects of taking ecstasy for up to five days. A study published today in the open access journal BMC Neuroscience shows that the reduction in rats' brain activity induced by 3,4 -Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) lasts long after administration of the drug -- up to five days -- if loud music is played to them simultaneously. The effects wear off within a day when no music is played. Fri, 24 Feb 2006 10:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060224102254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/01/040115074905.htm People who take the recreational drug ecstasy risk impairing their memory, according to an international study which surveyed users in places including the USA, UK, other European countries and Australia. Thu, 15 Jan 2004 07:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/01/040115074905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031126064222.htm The illegal drug MDMA (Methylene 3, 4 dioxy-methamphetamine) more commonly known as "Ecstasy" or "XTC," can trigger heart attacks, according to a case report in the December issue of Annals of Emergency Medicine. Wed, 26 Nov 2003 06:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031126064222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/09/030903075538.htm Women who take the drug Ecstasy in their first trimester of pregnancy may be putting their unborn child at risk for brain damage, according to a study published in the September issue of the journal Neurotoxicity and Teratology. Wed, 03 Sep 2003 07:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/09/030903075538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/09/030902074029.htm Researchers at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago have shown that 21-day-old rat pups exposed in the womb to the drug MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, often called Ecstasy) during a period corresponding to the first trimester in human pregnancy exhibit changes in brain chemistry and behavior. Tue, 02 Sep 2003 07:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/09/030902074029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/03/020305073608.htm Disturbing evidence is emerging that the increasingly popular drug ecstasy can be linked to users suffering long-term brain damage. University of Adelaide researchers have found that ecstasy taken on a few occasions could cause severe damage to brain cells, with the potential to cause future memory loss or psychological problems. Tue, 05 Mar 2002 07:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/03/020305073608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010814063422.htm Researchers in Spain have isolated for the first time a by-product of the illicit drug Ecstasy that is believed to cause some of the brain damage associated with the drug. They believe their finding will help them measure, with greater precision, the long-term neurotoxicity of Ecstasy in human users. Tue, 14 Aug 2001 06:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010814063422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/05/010501074739.htm Researchers have reported the first evidence that a mother’s use of MDMA (ecstasy) during pregnancy may result in specific types of long-term learning and memory impairments in her offspring. Tue, 01 May 2001 07:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/05/010501074739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/04/010410084611.htm Long-term users of 'ecstacy,' the street name for the drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), tend to experience memory loss or impairment, according to a study reported in the April 10 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Tue, 10 Apr 2001 08:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/04/010410084611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/07/000727081324.htm Use of the recreational drug Ecstasy causes a severe reduction in the amount of serotonin in the brain, according to a study in the July 25 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Thu, 27 Jul 2000 08:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/07/000727081324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/10/981031181429.htm The common street drug "ecstasy" causes brain damage in people, according to a new Johns Hopkins study. In a report in The Lancet released last week, Hopkins scientists show that the drug -- known chemically as MDMA -- damages specific nerves in the brain that release serotonin, the nerve transmitter thought to play a role in regulating mood, memory, pain perception, sleep, appetite and sexual activity. Sat, 31 Oct 1998 18:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/10/981031181429.htm