Neurocognitive Changes in Adolescents with Synthetic Cannabinoids Use Disorder

Abstract Background Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most used novel psychoactive substances among adolescents with eminent adverse effects affecting cognitive functions and psychomotor performances. It was previously thought that undesirable effects brought by synthetic cannabinoids are more potent than organic cannabis products in terms of duration and intensity. This study aimed to assess the effects cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids on executive functions, whether persistent use is associated with their impairments and if related with the severity of addiction. Methods We recruited 60 male adolescents from Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Helwan Psychiatric hospital, and El Sahel youth center being 20 synthetic cannabinoids use disorder, 20 cannabis use disorder and controls. Teens Addiction Severity index was performed, then assessment of cognitive functions by Wisconsin card sorting test, Wechsler memory scale revised, Trail making tests, Benton visual Retention test and neurological soft signs with Cambridge neurological inventory. Results No statistical significance found regarding neurological soft signs and Benton Visual Retention test. In Wisconsin card sorting test, synthetic cannabinoids patients are statistically higher in trials administered and trials to complete 1st category while tetrahydro-cannabinoid patients are statistically higher in perservative responses and errors. Regarding trail making tests, synthetic cannabinoids patients are statistically higher. Concerning Wechsler memory scale revised, controls are statistically higher in Verbal Paired Associates I and II, Visual Paired Associates I and II, and digit span total while synthetic cannabinoids were statistically higher in memory span total. Conclusion There is no difference in neurological soft signs, visual perception, and visual memory. Frontal lobe executive functions are affected between substance use patients; synthetic cannabinoids affected more regarding initial conceptualization ability while tetrahydro-cannabinoid patients affected more regarding cognitive flexibility. Regarding visual scanning and working memory, synthetic cannabinoid patients are more affected. Concerning different memory functions, substance use patients are more affected than controls with synthetic cannabinoid patients being more affected.