Impairment of current memory and executive function in former methamphetamine-induced psychotic patients

บทคัดย่อ

Objective The goals were to describe the neuropsychological profi le of abstinent methamphetamine users with a history of MAP.

Materials and methods Participants (n=90) were admitted to Suan Prung Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand for methamphetamine-induced psychosis in 2000-2001 and were re-contacted 6 years later to complete a battery of neuropsychological tests. The cognitive battery consisted of tests assessing executive function, attention, memory and psychomotor speed.

Results Results indicate that this group exhibited severe impairment in executive function and memory performance several years after their initial diagnosis and hospitalization, despite abstaining from MA use.

Conclusions This study characterizes the neuropsychological performance of individuals diagnosed with methamphetamine-induced psychosis. Continuing to investigate cognitive performance in MAP patients worldwide can assist with understanding the etiology of MAP and inform clinicians treating this disorder.