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
PubMed ID
12646333
Repository Citation
Smelson DA, Davis CW, Eisenstein N, Engelhart C, Williams J, Losonczy MF, Ziedonis DM. (2003). Cognitive disparity in schizophrenics with and without cocaine dependency. Psychiatry Publications. Retrieved from https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/psych_pp/188