Jornal de Alcoolismo e Dependência de Drogas
Acesso livre

Abstrato

The Impact of Drugs Use on Visual Attention in Minors

Hind Ait Belcaid1*, Azeddine Diffaa1, Hajjar Sebbane1, Med Amine Belkhouda2, Roquia Assda2, Azeddine Sedki1

Background: The drugs can cause many alterations affecting physical and mental health in humans. In youth, the drug addiction can cause cognitive distortions that result in behavioral and cognitive.

Aim: To study the impact of drugs on visual attention in minors.

Materials and methods: We performed a randomized case-control analytical study in the Addictology Center and the Child Protection Center of Marrakesh and two schools in Marrakesh. We used the “Bells Test” to evaluate visuo- attention deficits, unilateral spatial neglect and organizational strategies. The statistical analysis has been performed by SPSS software with (p<0.05). We have respected the free consent of tutors, anonymity and confidentiality of participants.

Results: We collaged n=115 minors aged between 10 and 18 years. The minors were divided ontwo groups: G1=55 minors addicted to drugs and the control group G2=60 non-addicted minors. The main used drug was cannabis, tobacco, synthetic glue. We found that 73% of the addicts represent omissions (>6 bells). Three types of hemianopsia dominated: Bilateral Visuospatial Neglect (BVN) noted in 36% (G1) vs. 17% (G2) (p>0.05), right spatial visuo- neglect 24% (G1) vs. 13% (G2) (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The visual attention is significantly affected by the drug’s use. The evaluation of drug effects on neuro- cognitive abilities in young people has shown a significate cognitive impairment.