Evidence of persistent executive function deficits in cannabis dependence after one month of abstinence.

461 • Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria 2010 • vol 32 • nº 4 • dez2010 References 1. Lavretsky H. The Russian concept of schizophrenia: a review of the literature. Mental health care reforms in Europe: Rehabilitation and social inclusion of people with mental illness in Russia. Evidence of persistent executive function deficits in cannabis dependence after one month of abstinence Evidências de déficits executivos persistentes após um mês de abstinência na dependência de maconha Dear Editor, Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug around the world. Information about risks is important for prevention and treatment strategies. In this regard, a relevant and well conducted review article was published in the Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria by Almeida et al., which has concluded that chronic cannabis users (CCU) present executive cognitive functions (ECF) deficits. The authors reviewed nine studies of CCU that showed impaired abstract reasoning, concept formation, and mental flexibility. 1 ECF may represent a very relevant target for rehabilitation strategies, since ECF deficits are associated with poorer outcomes in treatment. 2 In addition, the literature discussing whether ECF-related deficits persist after a period of abstinence is contradictory. 3 Pope et al. did not find evidences to support that CCU who were 28-day abstinent have persistent ECF-related deficits.