Journal article
Identifying standardised neuropsychological test measures sensitive to cannabis consumption: A systematic review
Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.369, pp.772-781
2025
PMID: 39419188
Appears in UniSC Supported Open Access Outputs
Abstract
Background
While numerous studies have indicated acute neurocognitive changes following the administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; the psychoactive component of cannabis), the standardised neuropsychological tests most sensitive to THC are yet to be identified. As such, this systematic review analysed scientific evidence (since 2000) on the effects of THC on standardised neuropsychological test measures.
Methods
This review was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they utilised a between or within-subjects design in testing for differences in standardised neuropsychological test performance following the consumption of THC.
Results/discussion
Sufficient data were identified to examine 8 standardised neuropsychological test measures, with 12 studies being eligible for inclusion in the review. It was identified that the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) subtest Spatial Working Memory, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Prose Recall and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test were sensitive to cannabis consumption.
Limitations
However, due to substantial variability observed across studies, the data could not be quantitatively analysed. It was noted that few studies employed standardised neuropsychological measures in assessing the effects of THC.
Conclusion
Overall, the findings highlight the need for further research examining the effects of cannabis on standardised and validated measures of neurocognitive function. Such an approach can be considered an important first step towards developing behavioural measures of impairment.
Details
- Title
- Identifying standardised neuropsychological test measures sensitive to cannabis consumption: A systematic review
- Authors
- K.B. Stefanidis (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research CollaborationC. Schiemer (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research CollaborationT. Mieran - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Road Safety Research CollaborationM.J. Summers - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
- Publication details
- Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.369, pp.772-781
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jad.2024.10.051
- ISSN
- 1573-2517
- PMID
- 39419188
- Copyright note
- © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).
- Grant note
- This research was funded by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.
- Organisation Unit
- Road Safety Research Collaboration; Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991066743402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Clinical Neurology
- Psychiatry
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