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Citation |
Rizzo M, Lamers CT, Sauer CG, Ramaekers JG, Bechara A, Andersen GJ. Psychopharmacology 2005; 179(3): 559-566. |
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Affiliation |
Division of Neuroergonomics and Division of Behavioral Neurology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA, matthew-rizzo@uiowa.edu. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2005, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
15723231 |
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Abstract |
RATIONALE: Illicit drug use can increase driver crash risk due to loss of control over vehicle trajectory. This study asks, does recreational use of +/-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; marijuana) impair cognitive processes that help direct our safe movement through the world? OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the residual effects of combined MDMA/THC use, and of THC use alone, upon perceived trajectory of travel. METHODS: Perception of self-motion, or heading, from optical flow patterns was assessed using stimuli comprising random dot ground planes presented at three different densities and eight heading angles (1, 2, 4 and 8 degrees to the left or right). On each trial, subjects reported if direction of travel was to the left or the right. RESULTS: Results showed impairments in both drug groups, with the MDMA/THC group performing the worst. CONCLUSIONS: The finding that these psychoactive agents adversely affect heading perception, even in recently abstinent users, raises potential concerns about MDMA use and driving ability. |