Cannabis use, cognitive performance and mood in a sample of workers

There are well documented acute and chronic effects of cannabis use on mental functioning. However, less is known about any effects on cognition within the context of work and everyday life.<p></p> The aim of the study was to examine any association between cannabis use and cognitive performance, mood and human error at work.<p></p> Cannabis users and controls completed a battery of laboratory based computer tasks measuring mood and cognitive function pre- and post-work at the start and end of a working week. They also completed daily diaries reporting their work performance.<p></p> Cannabis use was associated with impairment in both cognitive function and mood, though cannabis users reported no more workplace errors than controls. Cannabis use was associated with lower alertness and slower response organization. In addition, users experienced working memory problems at the start, and psychomotor slowing and poorer episodic recall at the end of the working week.<p></p> This pattern of results suggests two possible effects. First a ‘hangover’-type effect which may increase with frequency of use. Second a subtle effect on cognitive function, perhaps more apparent under cognitive load and/or fatigue, which may increase with more prolonged use. The results also highlight the importance of the timing of testing within the context and routine of everyday life

The Bristol Stress and Health Study: accidents, minor injuries and cognitive failures at work

Information about cognitive failures is important in the study of accidents and injuries at work. In addition, negative job characteristics represent part of the context in which human error is translated into injury

The Bristol Stress and Health Study: accidents, minor injuries and cognitive failures at work

Information about cognitive failures is important in the study of accidents and injuries at work. In addition, negative job characteristics represent part of the context in which human error is translated into injury

Psychotropic medication use and accidents, injuries and cognitive failures

Background: Psychotropic medication has the potential to impair psychomotor and cognitive function, and several medications have well documented links to increased accident and injury susceptibility. Those developed more recently have many fewer side effects. However, there is little work examining any association between psychotropic medication use and safety within the context of other demographic, health and lifestyle factors.<p></p> Aims: To examine and compare any associations between psychotropic medication use (including benzodiazepines, tricyclics and SSRIs) and accidents, injuries and cognitive failures in a community sample.<p></p> Methods: A postal questionnaire survey was conducted among people selected at random from the electoral registers of Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil.<p></p> Results: Psychotropic medication use was associated with accidents, injuries and cognitive failures, particularly among those who already had higher levels of other risk factors and/or continuing mental health problems.<p></p> Conclusions: The well established associations between accidents and injuries and older psychotropic medications were replicated. SSRIs, however, were relatively safer. The study also highlighted the need to consider any effect of psychotropic medication within the context of both mental health status and other factors

Determinants of the real exchange rate, misalignment and trade balance in Turkey

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