| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: Impact of comorbid disorders on the neuropsychological performance of a methamphetamine dependent sample. | | Authors: Carey C, Heaton RK, Rippeth J, Gonzalez R, Moore DJ, Marcotte T, Rivera Mindt M, Cherner M, Wolfson T, Grant I, and the HNRC Group | | Year: 2002 | | Publication: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society | | Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Pages: 287 | | Abstract:This study investigated the contribution of comorbid psychiatric and developmental disorders to neuropsychological (NP) impairment in a sample of adults with a history of methamphetamine (Meth) dependence (n=81). A comprehensive NP battery was administered, and demographically corrected T-scores for each test in the battery were obtained. These scores were then converted to a Global Deficit Score (GDS), which reflects the number and severity of impaired performances on the test battery. Using a previously validated cut-off on the GDS, participants were classified as NP impaired or unimpaired. Impairment status served as the dependent variable in a logistic regression model, which included the following independent variables: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), lifetime history of alcohol dependence, lifetime history of other substance dependence (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, opioids), current level of depression (BDI score), history of learning disabilities (LD), and a quantitative measure of lifetime Meth use. Only LD and ASPD were independently associated with NP impairment ( p < .01). While participants with LD had significantly higher rates of global impairment (56%) than participants without LD (30%), ASPD unexpectedly related to better NP performance; only 17% of participants with ASPD were NP impaired. Groups with and without ASPD were comparable on Meth use variables, while participants with LD began using Meth at an earlier age than participants without LD. These preliminary results suggest that comorbid disorders, particularly LD and ASPD, may be important predictors of NP impairment in Meth dependent individuals. |
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