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Neurocognitive functioning in recently abstinent, cocaine-abusing schizophrenic patients
M R Serper1, M L Copersino, D Richarme
1Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-1270, USA. mark.serper@nyu.edu
Journal of Substance Abuse
|September 16, 2000
Summary
Recently abstinent cocaine-abusing schizophrenic patients show significant memory deficits. However, their attention and executive functions remain largely preserved compared to non-substance-abusing schizophrenic patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe mental disorder.
- Cocaine abuse is common in SZ patients.
- Acute cocaine abstinence may impact cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive functioning in recently abstinent cocaine-abusing schizophrenic patients (CA + SZ).
- To compare cognitive performance between CA + SZ and non-substance-abusing schizophrenic patients (SZ).
- To investigate the neurobiological impact of cocaine abuse and abstinence on cognition in SZ.
Main Methods:
- Administered tests of selective/sustained attention, learning/memory, and executive functioning.
- Included CA + SZ patients within 72 hours of last cocaine use.
- Compared CA + SZ with a control group of SZ patients.
Main Results:
- CA + SZ patients exhibited significant memory impairment compared to SZ patients.
- No significant group differences were found in attention or executive functioning.
- CA + SZ patients demonstrated preserved abilities in selective attention and executive tasks.
Conclusions:
- Findings support previous research on memory deficits in CA + SZ patients.
- Cognitive domains beyond memory appear relatively well-preserved.
- Results highlight the specific impact of cocaine abuse and abstinence on memory in schizophrenia.