Functional Brain Imaging in Recreational Users of Ecstasy

This observational study (n=18) of recreational MDMA users (unknown quantity/regularity) shows that those who use MDMA have lower levels of dopamine release in the test (motorbike riding computer game). The participants didn’t differ in reaction time (performance).

The results from the study, which focussed on game addiction, state:

“The brain imaging study showed that healthy control subjects had reduced dopamine D2 receptor occupancy of 10.5% in the caudate after playing a motorbike riding computer game compared with baseline levels of binding consistent with increased release and binding to its receptors. Ex-chronic “ecstasy” users showed no change in levels of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy after playing this game. Conclusion: This evidence supports the notion that psycho-stimulant users have decreased sensitivity to natural reward. Significance: Computer game addicts or gamblers may show reduced dopamine response to stimuli associated with their addiction presumably due to sensitization.“

Topic Healthy Subjects Safety Neuroscience
Compound MDMA
Country Israel
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Trial Details



Trial Number

Sponsors & Collaborators

Hadassah Medical Organization
This company doesn't have a full profile yet, it is linked to a clinical trial.

Data attribution

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