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Article
Cognitive Performance and Autonomic Reactivity in Abstinent Drug Abusers and Nonusers.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology (2005)
  • Nancy B Isenberg, Providence St. Joseph Health
  • All Authors Fishbein, Diana Hyde, Chris Eldreth, Diana London, Edythe D. Matochik, John Ernst, Monique Isenberg, Nancy Steckley, Stacey Schech, Barry Kimes, Alane
Abstract
In this study the authors compared the performance of abstinent drug abusers (n = 21) and nonuser control participants (n = 20) in neurocognitive and emotional functions by use of the Rogers Decision Making Task, Gambling Task, Emotional Stroop, impulsivity continuous performance task (CPT), and vigilance CPT. Skin conductance (SC) and heart rate (HR) monitoring was synchronized with task performance. Groups showed similar performance for vigilance, impulsivity, and emotional interference; however, drug abusers showed stronger SC responses. Drug abusers performed more poorly on the Gambling and Rogers Decision Making Tasks. When making risky decisions, drug abusers showed significantly less increase in SC activity than controls and exhibited lower HRs throughout performance on all tasks. In conclusion, complex tasks involving decision making, sensitivity to consequences, and emotional regulation discriminated between drug abusers and controls. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Disciplines
Publication Date
2005
Citation Information
Nancy B Isenberg and All Authors Fishbein, Diana Hyde, Chris Eldreth, Diana London, Edythe D. Matochik, John Ernst, Monique Isenberg, Nancy Steckley, Stacey Schech, Barry Kimes, Alane. "Cognitive Performance and Autonomic Reactivity in Abstinent Drug Abusers and Nonusers." Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology (2005)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/nancy-isenberg/15/