Published in:
01-09-2007
Neurocognitive Effects of Methamphetamine: A Critical Review and Meta-analysis
Authors:
J. Cobb Scott, Steven Paul Woods, Georg E. Matt, Rachel A. Meyer, Robert K. Heaton, J. Hampton Atkinson, Igor Grant
Published in:
Neuropsychology Review
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Issue 3/2007
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Abstract
This review provides a critical analysis of the central nervous system effects of acute and chronic methamphetamine (MA) use, which is linked to numerous adverse psychosocial, neuropsychiatric, and medical problems. A meta-analysis of the neuropsychological effects of MA abuse/dependence revealed broadly medium effect sizes, showing deficits in episodic memory, executive functions, information processing speed, motor skills, language, and visuoconstructional abilities. The neuropsychological deficits associated with MA abuse/dependence are interpreted with regard to their possible neural mechanisms, most notably MA-associated frontostriatal neurotoxicity. In addition, potential explanatory factors are considered, including demographics (e.g., gender), MA use characteristics (e.g., duration of abstinence), and the influence of common psychiatric (e.g., other substance-related disorders) and neuromedical (e.g., HIV infection) comorbidities. Finally, these findings are discussed with respect to their potential contribution to the clinical management of persons with MA abuse/dependence.