Work

Assessment of Cognitive Impairment Between Natural and Synthetic Opioid Users

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Aim: To study the effects of opioids on cognitive functions and compare cognitive impairment between natural and synthetic opioid users. Methods: Study was conducted on patients between 18 and 60 years diagnosed with opioid dependence as per ICD-11 presenting to Deaddiction IPD/Deaddiction OPD, Department of Psychiatry, DMC and H Ludhiana, for one year. Cognitive assessment was done using PGIBBD (PGI Battery of Brain Dysfunction). Results: = 0.003 having a medium effect size with Cohen's d of 0.51. Synthetic opioid users exhibited marked impairment across various cognitive domains, particularly in executive functioning, memory retention, and perceptual-motor skills. Significant correlations were identified between age, age of onset, duration, and dose of substance used, and with recent and immediate memory, attention and concentration, PQ, TQ arithmetic, Nahor-Benson Test, and overall dysfunction rating score. These correlations varied depending on the type of substance used. Conclusion: Synthetic opioid users experienced significant cognitive dysfunction compared to natural opioid users. This dysfunction manifests as impaired judgment, reduced cognitive flexibility, and compromised decision-making abilities, contributing to poorer treatment outcomes.

Source: Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences

DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_984_25

Authors: Alisha Aluna, Pankaj Kumar, Navkiran S. Mahajan, Ranjive Mahajan, Mitthat Miglani

Institution: Dayanand Medical College & Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $250