• Michaela Piechatzek, Friedrich Indlekofer, Marcel Daamen, Christoph Glasmacher, Roselind Lieb, Hildegard Pfister, Oliver Tucha, Klaus W Lange, Hans-Ulrich Wittchen, and Christian G Schütz.
• Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.
• Hum Psychopharmacol. 2009 Dec 1; 24 (8): 650-65.

BackgroundSubstance use (SU) has been linked with impaired cognitive functioning. Evidence comes mainly from clinical studies or studies examining heavy users. Though, the majority of users are not involved in heavy use. This study investigates the association between moderate use and cognition in a population-based sample.MethodsA total of 284 young adults with ecstasy, cannabis or alcohol use and a control group were sampled from the EDSP database for participation in the Munich Assessment of Young Adults (MAYA) study. Subjects completed a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests (executive functions, working memory and impulsivity). Multiple linear regression models were conducted to examine the relationship between use and cognitive performance.ResultsIncreased ecstasy consumption was associated with increased error-proneness (Stroop task, CANTAB ID/ED-shift, spatial working memory). More frequent cannabis use and more extensive alcohol consumption were associated with a higher degree of impulsiveness.ConclusionsBased on mild to moderate SU, little indication of differences in executive functioning was found. For ecstasy use, an increased error-proneness was revealed. The subtle differences in relatively young individuals warrant further investigation in prospective long-term studies to identify subjects at risk, and to examine effects of prolonged patterns of use on executive functioning.Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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