Solvent-induced leukoencephalopathy: a disorder of adolescence?

Volatile substance misuse is common during early adolescence; however, limited work has been conducted investigating the neurobiological effects of such use on the developing brain. While both animal and human studies report cognitive and neurobiological harm associated with volatile substance misuse during adolescence (particularly involving white matter structures), the complex psychosocial characteristics of volatile substance misusers confound the specificity of reported volatile substance-related pathology in human subjects. In addition, few studies have examined whether cognitive and neurobiological recovery occurs with abstinence, although there is some literature indicating that neurological and cognitive improvement is possible, but relates to the frequency and duration of previous use. Longitudinal studies utilizing well-matched control samples are required to fully delineate the short- and long-term impact of volatile substance misuse on adolescent brain development.