| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: Exposure to methamphetamine and neuropsychological functioning. | | Authors: Cherner M, Heaton RK, Gonzalez R, Rippeth J, Carey C, Grant I, and the HNRC Group | | Year: 2002 | | Publication: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society | | Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Pages: 250-251 | | Abstract:Methamphetamine (meth) is a central nervous system stimulant that leads
acutely to increases in extracellular dopamine (DA), with possible damage
to terminals of DA containing neurons. The effects of methamphetamine
(meth) use on neuropsychological (NP) functioning were measured in 55
meth dependent study participants who had been abstinent for at least 3
weeks prior to testing. Method: Lifetime meth dependence was established
using the SCID–IV substance use disorder modules. Ss were excluded if they met dependence criteria for other substances. Cognitive
status was assessed with a comprehensive NP battery. Impairment was
determined using blind clinical ratings based on demographically corrected
T-scores, both for overall impairment and for impairment in 6 domains
of functioning. Exposure to meth was measured by retrospective
report as quantity 3 frequency 3 duration for lifetime use as well as for
use in the previous 12 months. Results: Amounts of reported lifetime
exposure to meth were not related to NP functioning in any ability domain.
Degree of meth use in the previous 12 months correlated significantly with
motor functioning only (r=.31, p < .02). Conclusions: While the lack of
associated between meth use and other NP abilities is surprising, the doserelated
effect on motor impairment is consistent with disturbance of the
dopaminergic system. |
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