Depression and executive dysfunction contribute to a metamemory deficit among individuals with methamphetamine use disorders

Abstract

Chronic methamphetamine (MA) use is associated with moderate deficits in learning and memory, but the extent to which MA users are aware of such memory deficits (i.e., metamemory) is not known. In the current study, 195 participants with lifetime MA use diagnoses (MA+) and 195 non-MA-using comparison subjects (MA−) underwent comprehensive neuropsychiatric research assessments, including performance-based and self-report measures of episodic memory. MA use disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), and their interaction were uniquely associated with metamemory functioning, such that MDD increased the likelihood of a metamemory deficit among the MA+ participants. Within the MA group, individuals who over-estimated their memory abilities demonstrated greater executive dysfunction and lower cognitive reserve. Chronic MA use is associated with reduced awareness of objective deficits in memory acquisition and recall, which is particularly exacerbated by the presence of major depression. Efforts to enhance metamemory accuracy and deployment of compensatory mnemonic strategies may benefit substance abuse treatment outcomes.

Impulsivity predicts poorer improvement in quality of life during early treatment for people with methamphetamine dependence

“…Findings linking impulsivity and psychological wellbeing are particularly relevant in people with MD, as poor mental health can often precipitate and reinforce drug use . Our findings support previous work linking motor disinhibition to reduced emotional self‐awareness in individuals with MD . Acting on the spur of the moment can involve engaging with activities that provide short‐term pleasure followed by distress (e.g.…”

Methamphetamine-induced short-term increase and long-term decrease in spatial working memory affects protein Kinase M zeta (PKMζ), dopamine, and glutamate receptors

“…Dysregulating dopaminergic signaling with MA could contribute to dopamine-related pathologies. This is consistent with the findings that MA addicts with low levels of dopamine have higher incidents of depression (Zhang et al, 2014 ) and cognitive deficits (Obermeit et al, 2013 ), both of which are comorbid (Casaletto et al, 2014 ). These lower levels of DA signaling also create significant risk factors for developing Parkinson's disease (Callaghan et al, 2012 ).…”

Cognitive Deficits in Methamphetamine Users: How Strong is The Evidence?

“…Thompson et al [40] found that the hippocampal volume of MA users is smaller than that of healthy controls. In addition, the size of the hippocampus correlated positively with memory function, which is, according to a systematic review of Scott et al [16], often reduced in people who are chronic MA users [41]. Studies with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found evidence for less prefrontal activity during decision-making in MA-dependent people than in healthy controls [42].…”