Neuropsychological Predictors of Outcome in an Accountability Court Sample Open Access

Abstract

This study investigated the use of neuropsychological predictors of outcome in an Accountability Court sample. Research has indicated evidence of neuropsychological impairment in chronic substance abusers. This relationship can have significant implications for treatment outcome. In this sample, treatment outcome was assessed in terms of graduation versus termination status and length of time spent in the program. In order to examine these predictor variables, a clinical interview and a neuropsychological battery were administered to each participant in the study. Findings suggest that increased length of time spent in the program and prior work history improved the odds of graduation while an increased number of arrests and performance on the Trail Making Test B improved the odds for termination. The sample was divided into three groups for analysis of the time spent in the program outcome; total, graduated, and terminated samples. Across all three groups performance on the MOCA Delayed Recall Multiple Choice (MDMCR) was positively correlated with time spent in the program. Across the total and terminated sample, performance on Trails A was negatively correlated with time spent in the program. In the total sample performance on Trails B (time) was also negatively correlated with time spent in the program. In the total and graduated group, number of arrests was negatively correlated with time in the program. In the total sample, anxiety scores were negatively correlated with time in the program and in the terminated group, duration of alcohol use was positively correlated with time in the program. The study will discuss the mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse, their role in recidivism rates among abusers and the public health impact of substance abuse for the community.

Table of Contents

Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Method .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Results ........................................................................................................................................... 20

Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 43

Tables ...................................................................................................................................................... 43

Figures ..................................................................................................................................................... 49

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Laney Graduate School
Department	Psychology
Degree	MA
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Psychology, Clinical
Keyword	substance abuse drug court neuropsychology
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Emory, Eugene, Emory University
Committee Members	Duke, Marshall P, Emory University Edwards, David A, Emory University

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