Cognitive impairment in chronic ketamine abusers

Background: The treatment of ketamine users is substantially challenged by high dropout rates, raising questions regarding contributing factors. A number of studies have highlighted the potential of greater focus on the clinical significance of cognitive impairments in ketamine users. The present study hypothesized that cognitive deficits would play a role in greater risk for treatment dropout in chronic ketamine users. Methods: Our study examined cognitive performance in the form of working memory, verbal memory, visual memory and executive function among chronic ketamine users who completed three-month treatment in residential detoxification centres (N = 165), those who dropped out prematurely (N = 121) and drug-free healthy controls (N = 111). The data collection was completed in Hong Kong among the East Asia population. Results: Compared to healthy controls, cognitive impairments were found in ketamine users, including in verbal/ visual memory and executive function. Executive dysfunction was significantly associated with dropout in ketamine users within three months. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that executive dysfunction may have clinical benefits in ketamine users admitted to residential treatment programmes.