Frontal systems deficits in stimulant-dependent patients: evidence of pre-illness dysfunction and relationship to treatment response.

Background: Frontal systems dysfunction is present in stimulant-dependent patients. However, it is unclear whether this dysfunction is a pre-morbid risk factor or stimulant-induced, is severe enough to be clinically relevant, and if it is relevant to treatment response. These questions were addressed using the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), a reliable and valid self-report assessment of three neurobehavioral domains associated with frontal systems functioning (Apathy, Disinhibition, and Executive Dysfunction, summed for a Total), that assesses both pre- and post-morbid functioning, and has a specific cutoff for defining clinically significant abnormalities.

Method: Six sites evaluating 12-step facilitation for stimulant abusers obtained the FrSBe from 180 methamphetamine- and/or cocaine-dependent participants. Dichotomous treatment response measures included self-reported stimulant use, stimulant urine drug screens, and treatment completion.

Results: A substantial percentage of participants retrospectively reported clinically significant neurobehavioral abnormalities prior to lifetime stimulant abuse initiation (e.g., 67.5% on FrSBe-Total) with a significant increase in the proportion reporting such abnormalities for current functioning (86% on FrSBe-Total; p<0.0001). Treatment response was significantly worse for participants with, relative to those without, clinically significant Disinhibition as measured by treatment non-completion (31.6% vs. 15.6%, OR=2.51) and self-reported stimulant use during treatment (40.5% vs. 16.7%, OR=3.40).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that frontal systems dysfunction is present prior to stimulant-abuse onset and worsens with stimulant use. Disinhibition may be a prime target for intervention in stimulant-dependent individuals.