Impulsivity in Cannabis and Ecstasy Users
Author Information
Author(s): Clark L, Roiser JP, Robbins TW, Sahakian BJ
Primary Institution: Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
Information sampling would be reduced in the cannabis users, and this impulsivity would be further exacerbated in the current and former ecstasy users as a result of serotonin neurotoxicity.
Conclusion
The study found that cannabis users sampled less information and tolerated more uncertainty in decision-making compared to drug-naïve controls, while ecstasy users did not show significant differences.
Supporting Evidence
- Cannabis users sampled significantly fewer boxes on the IST and tolerated more uncertainty in making the correct decision compared to the other groups.
- The cannabis users altered their information sampling behaviour to a similar degree between the Fixed Reward and Reward Decrement conditions.
- Regular cannabis users displayed reduced reflection impulsivity, which may impact decision-making capabilities.
Takeaway
This study looked at how people make decisions when using drugs like cannabis and ecstasy. It found that cannabis users are less careful in making decisions than those who don't use drugs.
Methodology
Participants completed the Information Sampling Test to measure reflection impulsivity, with groups including current and former ecstasy users, cannabis users, and drug-naïve controls.
Potential Biases
The ecstasy users reported moderate use of other illicit substances, which could confound results.
Limitations
The group sizes for former ecstasy users and cannabis users were smaller, which may limit the power of the analyses.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 46 current ecstasy users, 14 former ecstasy users, 15 current cannabis users, and 19 drug-naïve controls, with a mix of genders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% confidence intervals: 80–89%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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