Neuro-Cognitive Dysfunction In Substance Abusers – A Hospital Based Study
Journal Title: INDIAN JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: The brain region and neural processes that underlie addiction overlap extensively with those that support cognitive functioning, including learning, memory and reasoning. Cocaine and opioids cause deficit in cognitive flexibility, amphetamines causes deficits in attention and impulse control; alcohol and nicotine causes deficit in working memory and attention. The present study was planned to understand harmful effects of substance use on neuropsychological functioning of the patients with substance dependence. Methodology: The study was conducted at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India. A total of 30 known substance dependent patients (diagnosed as per ICD 10 criteria), both indoor as well as outdoor were evaluated for their intellectual and memory functioning using Wechsler intelligence test (verbal, Indian version which has 4 subtests ie information, digit span, arithmetic and comprehension), Alexander’s Pass Along Test (to see executive function) and PGI memory test (Indian version of Wechsler memory test) and then the results were compared with the control group. Patients with any other medical disorder, head injury, seizure disorder and any pre-morbid psychiatric problem were excluded from the study. Results: The protocol shows that majority of patients show significant deficit in comprehension parameters of verbal intelligence and arithmetic ability. The protocol also reflects that the patients have impairment in delayed recall and recognition of visual stimuli. Conclusion: The study found that drug related cognitive changes may bias patients towards response and action that contributes to the cycle of addiction and also hinder patient’s ability to benefit from counseling.
Authors and Affiliations
Chaudhary Rupesh Kumar, Pankaj Kumar, Mishra Bholeshwar Prasad
Keywords
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- EP ID EP251423
- DOI 10.30877/IJMH.4.1.2017.42-46
- Views 88
- Downloads 0
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