Assessment of neurocognitive disorder in studies of cognitive impairment due to substance use disorder: A systematic review

ABSTRACTBackground: Cognitive impairments induced by substance use disorders (SUDs) are broadly documented. Evidence for these effects ought to be considered with regard to the new classification of neurocognitivedisorders (NCDs). Failing to assess diagnostic criteria for NCD could be a limitation of studies addressing the effects of SUDs on cognition, resulting in misdiagnosis and inaccurate prevalence estimation. Methods: A systematic search of original articles (2000–2016) was conducted in Web of Knowledge and Science Direct. Key terms were: NCD and associated terms, and SUDs or alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and inhalants. Results: 59 cross-sectional and five prospective studies were reviewed. Criterion A.1 (evaluation of subjective concern of cognitive decline relative to a baseline), and criterion B (evaluation of impairment in daily life activities due to cognitive impairment) were not effectively evaluated in any of the studies. All studies addressed criterion A.2 (objective evidence of cognitive de...