Neurocognitive changes in adolescents with synthetic cannabinoids use disorder

Background Synthetic cannabinoids are increasingly used among adolescents with notable adverse effects on cognitive functions. This study assessed the effects of synthetic cannabinoids and cannabis on executive functions and neurological soft signs in adolescents.Methods Sixty male adolescents were recruited: 20 with synthetic cannabinoid use disorder, 20 with cannabis use disorder, and 20 controls. Assessments included the Teens Addiction Severity Index, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, Trail Making Tests, Benton Visual Retention Test, and Cambridge Neurological Inventory.Results Synthetic cannabinoid users required more trials administered and trials to complete the first category on the WCST, while cannabis users showed higher perseverative responses and errors. Both groups performed significantly worse on Trail Making Test Part B relative to controls. Synthetic cannabinoid users, relative to cannabis users, performed worse on verbal and visual paired associates. No significant differences were found in neurological soft signs.Conclusion Both substances impair adolescent cognitive functions, with synthetic cannabinoid users more affected in attention and memory, while cannabis users show greater impairment in cognitive flexibility. Neurological soft signs did not differ across groups.