TY - JOUR
T1 - Impaired perception of self-motion (heading) in abstinent ecstasy and marijuana users.
AU - Rizzo, M.
AU - Lamers, C.T.J.
AU - Sauer, C.G.
AU - Ramaekers, J.G.
AU - Bechara, A.
AU - Andersen, G.J.
PY - 2005/1/1
Y1 - 2005/1/1
N2 - 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-Methylene-dioxymethamphetamine ( 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° 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.
AB - 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-Methylene-dioxymethamphetamine ( 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° 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.
U2 - 10.1007/s00213-004-2100-7
DO - 10.1007/s00213-004-2100-7
M3 - Article
C2 - 15723231
SN - 0033-3158
VL - 179
SP - 559
EP - 566
JO - Psychopharmacology
JF - Psychopharmacology
ER -