Attention Deficits in Chronic Methamphetamine Users as a Potential Target for Enhancing Treatment Efficacy

Methamphetamine (MA) is a potent, addictive psychostimulant that has dramatic effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The onset of methamphetamine use has been linked to heightened attention, and chronic methamphetamine use has been associated with deficits in different aspects of attention tha...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: Zahra Alam Mehrjerdi, Alireza Noroozi, Alasdair M. Barr, Hamed Ekhtiari
Format: Artikel
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: Iran University of Medical Sciences 2012-08-01
Schriftenreihe:Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
Schlagworte:
Online Zugang:http://bcn.iums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1-114&slc_lang=en&sid=1
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:Methamphetamine (MA) is a potent, addictive psychostimulant that has dramatic effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The onset of methamphetamine use has been linked to heightened attention, and chronic methamphetamine use has been associated with deficits in different aspects of attention that can significantly persist into abstinence. Attention deficits in chronic methamphetamine users may be associated with severity of methamphetamine use, craving, relapse, and as a result, poor treatment outcomes. This review summarizes evidence that the continuity of attention deficits, especially during abstinence, should be considered as a potential target during methamphetamine use treatment. Implementing attention rehabilitation techniques during treatment may enhance motivation for treatment in chronic methamphetamine users, and may facilitate treatment adherence, craving control and promote relapse prevention. This issue has important clinical implications for enhancing treatment efficacy and as a result, increasing treatment outcomes.
ISSN:2008-126X
2228-7442