Working memory deficits predict short-term smoking resumption following brief abstinence.
As many as one-half of smokers relapse in the first week following a quit attempt, and subjective reports of cognitive deficits in early abstinence are associated with increased relapse risk. This study examined whether objective cognitive performance after 3 days of abstinence predicts smoking resumption in a 7-day simulated quit attempt. Sixty-seven treatment-seeking smokers received either varenicline or placebo (randomized double-blind) for 21 days. Following medication run-up (days 1-10), there was a 3-day mandatory (biochemically confirmed) abstinence period (days 11-13) during which working memory (Letter-N-Back Task) and sustained attention (Continuous Performance Task) were assessed (day 13). Participants were then exposed to a scheduled smoking lapse and instructed to try to remain abstinent for the next 7 days (days 15-21). Poorer cognitive performance (slower correct reaction time on Letter-N-Back task) during abstinence predicted more rapid smoking resumption among those receiving placebo (p=0.038) but not among those receiving varenicline. These data lend further support for the growing recognition that cognitive deficits involving working memory are a core symptom of nicotine withdrawal and a potential target for the development of pharmacological and behavioral treatments.
Patterson
Freda
F
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
Jepson
Christopher
C
Loughead
James
J
Perkins
Kenneth
K
Strasser
Andrew A
AA
Siegel
Steven
S
Frey
Joseph
J
Gur
Ruben
R
Lerman
Caryn
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000068580:Varenicline; D055815:Young Adult
D001552:Benzazepines; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; D011810:Quinoxalines; D000068580:Varenicline