| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: Lifetime history of methamphetamine dependence is associated with learning deficits. | | Authors: Gonzalez R, Heaton R, Moore D, Rippeth J, Cherner M, Grant I, and the HNRC Group | | Year: 2001 | | Publication: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society | | Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Pages: 191 | | Abstract:This pilot study examined neuropsychological (NP) performance across three groups differing on lifetime history of substance dependence: no history of dependence (none), n = 12; history of methamphetamine dependence only (meth), n = 19; history of methamphetamine and alcohol dependence (both), n = 10. Participants did not meet criteria for current substance dependence and0or abuse, and none had lifetime history of dependence and/or abuse for other substances (i.e., cocaine, opiates, sedatives, other stimulants). Groups were comparable on age and ethnicity. Demographic differences in education were controlled for statistically. Scores on NP tests were grouped into five ability areas: Learning, Memory/Retention (M/R), Speed of Information Processing/Working Memory (SIP/WM), Motor, and Verbal Fluency (VF). Individual MANOVAs were conducted for each NP ability area using substance use history (none, meth, both) as the independent variable and results from all NP test measures within an ability areas as dependent variables. Results from these analyses revealed a significant finding for Learning ( p5.04!. No significant findings were observed for other NP domains (M/R, p = .74; SIP/WM, p =.17; Motor, p=.16; VF, p=.26). Follow-up tests for each Learning measure revealed differences in Story Memory Learning Rate (p=.003, R2 =.26, meth < none) and Figure Memory Learning Rate ( p=.02, R2 =.19; meth < none). These results suggest that lifetime history of methamphetamine dependence alone may result in greater learning deficits in comparison to individuals with no lifetime history of substance dependence. Individuals with lifetime history of dependence for both substances did not exhibit this pattern. Similar findings have been reported with cocaine and alcohol users. |
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