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Related Experiment Videos

Attention dysfunction predicts substance involvement in community youths.

Susan F Tapert1, Michael V Baratta, Ana M Abrantes

  • 1VA San Diego Healthcare System Psychology Service and University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry, 92161, USA. stapert@ucsd.edu

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|June 7, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Adolescent attention problems predict later substance use issues. Early intervention for attention difficulties can help prevent alcohol and drug problems in at-risk youth.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Addiction Research

Background:

  • Cognitive impairments impact treatment outcomes for alcohol and drug use.
  • Limited understanding exists on how neurocognition influences the development of substance use patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of adolescent attention functioning on the development of substance use problems.
  • To examine this relationship over an 8-year period in high-risk youths.

Main Methods:

  • Neuropsychological tests and substance involvement interviews were administered to 66 community youths from ages 15 to 23.
  • Participants were screened for substance use disorders, neurological, mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorders at intake.
  • Substance involvement was assessed via self-report, collateral reports, and toxicology screens.

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Main Results:

  • Attention/executive functioning scores at intake significantly predicted substance use and dependence symptoms 8 years later.
  • These predictions remained significant after controlling for covariates like gender, education, and family history.
  • Attentional abilities, not necessarily ADHD diagnoses, were key predictors.

Conclusions:

  • Adolescents with limited attentional abilities are at higher risk for problematic alcohol and drug involvement.
  • Prevention and treatment should target youths with attentional difficulties.
  • Interventions should be tailored for individuals with compromised concentration and processing abilities.