Failure to sustain prepulse inhibition in adolescent marijuana users

Charles W. Mathias, Terry D. Blumenthal, Michael A. Dawes, Anthony Liguori, Dawn M. Richard, Bethany Bray, Weiqun Tong, Donald M. Dougherty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Marijuana use is typically initiated during adolescence, which is a critical period for neural development. Studies have reported reductions in prepulse inhibition (PPI) among adults who use marijuana chronically, although no human studies have been conducted during the critical adolescent period. Methods: This study tested PPI of acoustic startle among adolescents who were either frequent marijuana users or naïve to the drug (Controls). Adolescents were tested using two intensities of prepulses (70 and 85. dB) combined with a 105. dB startle stimulus, delivered across two testing blocks. Results: There was a significant interaction of group by block for PPI; marijuana users experienced a greater decline in the PPI across the testing session than Controls. The change in PPI of response magnitude for users was predicted by change in urine THC/creatinine after atleast 18. h of abstinence, the number of joints used during the previous week before testing, as well as self-reported DSM-IV symptoms of marijuana tolerance, and time spent using marijuana rather than participating in other activities. Conclusions: These outcomes suggest that adolescents who are frequent marijuana users have problems maintaining prepulse inhibition, possibly due to lower quality of information processing or sustained attention, both of may contribute to continued marijuana use as well as attrition from marijuana treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)110-116
Number of pages7
JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence
Volume116
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2011

Keywords

  • Acoustic startle response
  • Adolescence
  • Cannabis
  • Human
  • Marijuana
  • Prepulse inhibition

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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