Ecstasy Exposure & Gender: Examining Components of Verbal Memory Functioning

Abstract Objective: Studies have demonstrated verbal memory deficits associated with past year ecstasy use, although specific underlying components of these deficits are less understood. Further, prior research suggests potential gender differences in ecstasy-induced serotonergic changes. Therefore, the current study investigated whether gender moderated the relationship between ecstasy exposure and components of verbal memory after controlling for polydrug use and confounding variables. Method: Data were collected from 65 polydrug users with a wide range of ecstasy exposure (ages 18–35; 48 ecstasy