April 6, 2011

expert reaction to paper on structural brain damage risk in long term ecstasy users

Preliminary research suggesting that long-term ecstasy use can cause structural brain damage.

Prof David Nutt, Chair in Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London, said:

“This is an interesting pilot study that is underpowered to provide definitive evidence of an effect of ecstasy – especially as there was more use of other stimulants in the ecstasy group. However there is evidence that many drugs especially alcohol can affect the hippocampus and thus memory function. Though the effects of ecstasy on memory are slight longer follow up studies will be necessary to determine if there might be enduring effects.”

Preliminary evidence of hippocampal damage in chronic users of ecstasy, Bjørnar den Hollander et al, published in Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Embargoed until 23:30 UK time, Wednesday 6th April 2011.