Abstract

RAMOS-CEJUDO, Juan  and  IRUARRIZAGA DIEZ, Itziar. Neuropsychological and Emotional Correlates Involved in Cocaine Use: A Theoretical Review of New Findings. Psychosocial Intervention [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.3, pp.245-253. ISSN 2173-4712.

Cocaine is being an alarming health problem in developed countries. This issue has important implications in economic, social and public health. Currently, efforts are focused on research in metabolic, neuropsychological and emotional changes, resulting from chronic use. However, theoretical work review on this critical area is not available. The aim of our study is to review and integrate the ultimate findings and results in terms of metabolic abnormalities, neuropsychological and emotional abuse of cocaine. The results show a significant impairment of dopaminergic pathways in the frontal lobe, both in the number of recipient and depletion of the neurotransmitter, as well as an important executive function deficit in response inhibition in attention and working memory. In addition, alterations in the ability in identifying emotions, impulsiveness, decision making, anxiety and depression are proved in different studies.

Keywords : cocaine; neuropsychological impairment; emotion; theoretical review.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )