Development and Initial Validation of the Perceptual Assessment of Memory (PASSOM): A Simulator Study.

Objective: Performance validity tests (PVTs) are an integral component of neuropsychological assessment. There is a need for the development of more PVTs, especially those employing covert determinations. The aim of the present study was to provide initial validation of a new computerized PVT, the Perceptual Assessment of Memory (PASSOM).

Measures of cognitive functioning as predictors of treatment outcome for cocaine dependence.

Amlodipine is a calcium-channel antagonist with neuropharmacological properties believed to be protective against cerebral hypoperfusion, microinfarcts, and excitoxic cell death. Based on its pharmacological properties, we hypothesized that amlodipine would be associated with improved attention, processing speed, memory, and executive functioning at treatment follow-up in 84 cocaine-dependent individuals enrolled in a 12-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of amlodipine. We also hypothesized that better cognitive functioning at baseline would be associated with reduced cocaine use (negative urine drug screens) and longer treatment retention (last session attended).

A controlled trial of amlodipine for cocaine dependence: a negative report.

Preclinical models of cocaine dependence have shown favorable reductions in cocaine use using dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists. This is one of the first reports testing the efficacy of the long-acting calcium channel antagonist, amlodipine, for the treatment of cocaine dependence. This was a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel patient group trial of amlodipine vs.

Substance abuse treatment outcomes for cognitively impaired and intact outpatients.

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of cognitive impairment on the efficacy of substance abuse treatment outcome. Alcohol, drug, medical, legal, psychological, employment, and family functioning related treatment outcomes were examined for 26 cognitively impaired and 68 cognitively intact abusing outpatients. Subjects were enrolled in an intensive, 3-week, outpatient program for the treatment of their substance abuse.