Title

Cognitive disparity in schizophrenics with and without cocaine dependency

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry

Publication Date

2003-03-21

Document Type

Article

Subjects

Cocaine-Related Disorders; Cognition Disorders; Humans; Middle Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; *Schizophrenia; *Schizophrenic Psychology; Task Performance and Analysis; Veterans

Disciplines

Psychiatry

Abstract

Although cognition has been investigated in individuals with schizophrenia and in non-schizophrenic cocaine abusers, few studies have focused on cocaine-abusing schizophrenics. Previous studies have shown contradictory results despite the fact that individuals with schizophrenia and cocaine dependence have worse long-term outcomes, and that each disorder separately is associated with neuropsychological impairment. The present study intended to clarify these inconsistencies with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Twenty-four cocaine-dependent schizophrenics and 23 non-drug abusing schizophrenics were recruited from the VA. Participants were administered tests focusing on motor skills, processing speed, attention, concentration, and executive functioning. While individuals with schizophrenia and cocaine dependence performed worse on the Grooved Peg Board and the Stroop A, the non-drug abusing schizophrenics performed worse on Trails Part A and B. However, a MANOVA failed to show group differences in overall neuropsychological performance. These findings are similar to the existing literature and suggest that cocaine may compromise motor functioning.

Source

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2003 Jan;24(1):75-9.

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of substance abuse treatment

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

PubMed ID

12646333

Link to Full Text

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