Ecstasy:1. A condition characterized by intense joy and a trance-like state of excitement.2. A colloquial term for the substance 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly referred to in street language as "Ecstasy." This illegal drug is often used recreationally at parties and acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. It induces a high by preventing the brain from reabsorbing certain chemicals, thereby extending their effects. Research has shown that Ecstasy can negatively impact cognitive functions. In a study conducted by German researchers, 28 individuals who had taken Ecstasy approximately 3.5 times monthly over two years exhibited significantly poorer performance on tests assessing memory, learning, and overall intelligence compared to those who did not use drugs or those who only smoked marijuana (Reference: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2000;68:719-725).Additionally, Ecstasy is suspected to be a potential teratogen, which means it could interfere with embryo or fetal development. A British study noted that out of 136 pregnancies where mothers used Ecstasy, 78 resulted in live births, with 15.4% of the infants having birth defects such as clubfoot, skull malformations, toe deformities, and two instances of heart defects. In contrast, the birth defect rate in the general population is about 3%. Although the study's sample size was too small to conclusively establish a link between Ecstasy and these defects, the findings strongly suggest that pregnant women should avoid the drug completely (Reference: Lancet 1999;354:1441-1442).See also: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
