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Impulsivity, cognitive function, and their relationship in heroin-dependent individuals
H Zeng1, Tatia M C Lee, J H Waters
1a The Research Center of Psychology & Brain Science , Guangzhou University , Guangzhou , China.
Abstract:
There is mixed evidence concerning cognitive function and heroin dependence. In this study, abstinent heroin-dependent individuals (n = 86) and age- and sex-matched non-drug-using controls (n = 88) were compared on self-report measures of impulsivity and computerized assessments of cognitive function. Abstinent heroin-dependent individuals reported greater motor impulsivity and experience seeking and showed functional weaknesses in cognitive ability, including impulsivity and distractibility (d = 0.28 to 0.49), but not decision making or working memory. Self-reported impulsivity was uncorrelated with cognitive function. These results suggest underlying brain-related factors in heroin dependence and have implications for therapeutic intervention.
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