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Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Manuscript
Title: Elevated neurobehavioral symptoms are associated with poorer everyday functioning problems in chronic methamphetamine users.
Authors: Cattie JE, Woods SP, Iudicello JE, Posada C, Grant I, and the TMARC Group
Year: 2012
Publication: Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
Volume: 24 Issue: 3 Pages: 331-339
Abstract:Chronic methamphetamine (MA) use is commonly associated with neural injury and neurocognitive deficits. We examined the nature and correlates of self-reported neurobehavioral symptoms (i.e., apathy, disinihibition, and executive dysfunction) in 73 individuals with histories of MA dependence (MA+) and 85 comparison participants with comparable demographics and risk histories. MA+ individuals endorsed significantly more severe neurobehavioral symptoms on the Frontal Systems Behavioral Scale (FrSBe), especially disinhibition and executive dysfunction. Elevations in neurobehavioral symptoms were independent of common comorbidities, including hepatitis C infection, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, mood disorders, and other substance use factors. Notably, the severity of neurobehavioral symptoms were uniquely associated with self-reported decrements in instrumental activities of daily living in the MA dependent sample. Findings indicate that chronic MA users may experience elevated neurobehavioral symptoms of disinhibition and executive dysfunction, potentially increasing their risk of functional declines.

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