Anita Cservenka

Assistant Professor, Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon, Health & Science University, Dr. Cservenka studies the effects of substance use on neurocognitive functioning, personality, and behavior in adolescents and adults., United States

Publications

• Research Article   
  Frequent Marijuana Use and Cognitive Flexibility in Young Adult College Students
  Author(s): Anita Cservenka
  
  Background: Frequent marijuana (MJ) use has been associated with deficits in executive functioning (EF), but few studies have examined the contribution of recent and lifetime MJ use to the magnitude of EF impairment in young adults. Purpose of current study: We examined cognitive flexibility in 18- 22 year old college students, who were heavy marijuana users (MJ+) or healthy controls (HC). We hypothesized MJ+ would have poorer cognitive flexibility compared to HC, which would be related to earlier age at first MJ use, and greater past 30-day and lifetime MJ use. Methods: 28 MJ+ (68% male) using MJ ≥ 5 times/week and 33 HC (55% male) using MJ ≤ once/month in the past year completed the Modified-Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and an EF-composite score was calculated based on categories correct and perseverative e.. Read More»
  

  Abstract PDF