Abstract
Claims that cannabis-related impairments in
verbal fluency, associative learning, processing
speed, and forward and backward digit span are
indicative of a general deficit in working memory
functioning remain to be tested. Thirty-five
cannabis users categorised by pattern of use
over the past three months: ‘always’, ‘frequently’,
and ‘occasionally’ were compared to 21 nonusers on complex span measures including
reading, computation, and visuo-spatial working
memory as well as simple word, digit and spatial
span measures. Profile analysis with user group
between participants, test modality (verbal,
arithmetic, and spatial) and complexity (simple
versus complex) within participants, revealed a
significant effect of user group. Bonferroni
corrected pairwise comparisons showed that both
heavy user groups were impaired relative to
occasional users and nonusers. Significant
interactions revealed that the cannabis related
deficit was greater on the complex measures and
on the arithmetic and visuo spatial tasks. It
remains unclear whether these effects are short
term or long lasting.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |
| Event | British Psychological Society (BPS) Cognitive Section Conference - Duration: 25 Dec 2003 → … |
Conference
| Conference | British Psychological Society (BPS) Cognitive Section Conference |
|---|---|
| Period | 25/12/03 → … |