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Cognitive capacity in female adolescent substance abusers
R E Tarter1, A C Mezzich, Y C Hsieh
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, PA 15213, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Female adolescents with substance use disorder show cognitive deficits in language, attention, and perception compared to controls. These findings suggest cognitive impairments may play a role in the development and continuation of drug use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Psychoactive substance use disorder is a significant issue in adolescent populations.
- Cognitive functioning may be impacted by substance use, but research in female adolescents is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive, intellectual, and academic achievement in female adolescents with and without psychoactive substance use disorder.
- To explore the relationship between cognitive deficits and substance abuse severity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 106 female adolescents diagnosed with psychoactive substance use disorder (DSM-III-R) was compared to 74 controls.
- Participants completed a battery of cognitive, intellectual, and academic achievement tests.
Main Results:
- The substance abuse group exhibited deficits in language skills, sustained attention, and perceptual efficiency.
- Adolescents with substance use disorder scored lower on intelligence and academic achievement tests compared to controls.
- No correlation was found between the severity of cognitive deficits and the extent of substance abuse.
Conclusions:
- Female adolescents with substance use disorder demonstrate significant cognitive impairments.
- These cognitive deficits may contribute to the etiology and maintenance of drug use behaviors.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications and potential interventions.