Predicting Dropout and Outcome From Neuropsychological Functions in SUD Patients

Predicting Early Treatment Termination (Dropout) and Post-treatment Clinical Outcome From Neuropsychological Functions in Abstinent Substance Use Dependent (SUD) Patients

The aim of this project is to gain a more specific understanding of how different cognitive profiles predict residential treatment drop-out, treatment retention and post-treatment outcome in a population with Substance Use Disorder.

This project collects the neuropsychological profile of residential SUD patients, in addition to treatment length, exit reason, hospital journal data and post-treatment clinical outcome data. The project aims to identify clinically relevant neurocognitive domains that predict treatment dropout and post-treatment clinical outcome. This will make it possible for future clinicians to focus their effort on neurocognitive functions most relevant for this particular patient group.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

1. What neurocognitive domain (and sub-domain) are the strongest predictor of treatment drop-out and retention?
2. What neurocognitive domain (and sub-domain) are the strongest predictor of post-treatment clinical outcome variables such as drug use, health and social integration.
3. Will data on treatment length, age, gender, substance abuse history or psychiatric co-morbidity predict outcome independently, or in interaction with, the neuropsychological profile?

This longitudinal prospective cohort study aims for a continuous collection of neuropsychological data baseline and post-treatment follow-up data until 2030.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) patients.
• 18 years or older.
• Qualified to consent to research participation.
• Able to speak and write in Norwegian.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not qualified to consent to research participation.
• Insufficient understanding of Norwegian.