Cognitive dysfunction in adolescents with substance use disorder

Abstract

Abstract Background Substance abuse is a major health problem, associated with multiple clinical correlates. Cognitive dysfunctions were among the most relevant health problems associated with substance abuse among adolescents. The aim of the study is investigate the main cognitive domains affected in a sample of adolescents with substance use disorders. A case-control comparison was performed between 100 substance abusers versus 40 controls. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview v.5, Addiction Severity Index, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, socioeconomic scale, and multiple historical variables investigated. Results Substance abusers showed higher mean than control as regard all other WCST domains. The difference between two groups was statistically significant. Cannabis substance mostly affects early conceptualization and problem-solving abilities, while inhalants affect predominantly sustained attention, and alcohol mostly affect cognitive flexibility. Polysubstance use is more harmful to most of the executive function domain than mono substance use. Conclusions The substance use disorders are a major health problem accompanied cognitive dysfunction among adolescents and associated with increased rates of executive dysfunction. Cognitive flexibility, sustained attention, problem-solving abilities, and early conceptualization are the most domains affected.