THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE USE OF PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS MODULATED BY THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX OF YOUNG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

The prefrontal cortex is an associative brain area that is fundamental for cognitive functions such as decision-making, planning, selective attention, and working memory. During adolescence, the prefrontal cortex undergoes significant changes, which are influenced by the use of psychoactive drugs. This study related the use of psychoactive drugs to variations in inhibitory control, selective attention, planning and decision-making in 50 young university students, through the categorization of groups based on the consumption of psychoactive substances and the application of the Stroop Color and Word Test, Iowa Gambling Task and Mini Mental State Examination. The group without significant consumption of psychoactive substances had better performance in inhibitory control and selective attention compared to the group with consumption.