Neuropsychological consequences of chronic opioid use: a quantitative review and meta-analysis

Alexander Mario Baldacchino, David Balfour, F Passetti, Gerald Michael Humphris, Keith Matthews

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction
It is widely assumed within the accumulated literature that neuropsychological function is commonly impaired as a consequence of chronic opioid use.

Method
Quantitative and systematic review of the literature on the neuropsychology of chronic opioid use using the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results
This meta-analysis suggests that chronic opioid exposure is associated with deficits across a range of different neuropsychological domains. However, the only domains where meta-analysis suggests robust impairment were those of verbal working memory, cognitive impulsivity (risk taking) and cognitive flexibility (verbal fluency). The magnitude of effect across these cognitive domains was medium according to Cohen's benchmark criteria.
Discussion

This analysis highlighted methodological problems present in the literature used and the value of utilising meta-analytic techniques to help further elucidate the neuropsychological consequences of chronic opioid use from ‘core’ addiction phenotypes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2056–2068
JournalNeuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume36
Issue number9
Early online date5 Jul 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2012

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