Personality profile and drug of choice; a multivariate analysis using Cloninger's TCI on heroin addicts, alcoholics, and a random population group

Personality traits and personality problems in Korsakoff syndrome patients

Personality research is of relevance because it provides insights into the psychological strengths and vulnerabilities of a person. Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder following acute thiamine deficiency, usually as a consequence of alcohol-use disorders. Research on personality traits of KS patients is currently limited. The aim of the current exploratory study was therefore to examine the personality traits and problems of KS patients. We assessed self-reported and informant-reported personality traits and problems in institutionalized KS patients (n = 30). Results indicate that the psychotic personality organization was more frequently present in KS patients compared to a psychiatric reference population, leading to increased vulnerability for the development of severe psychiatric issues. Informants observed more premorbid and current cluster B ("emotional") and C ("anxious") personality behavior in comparison to the general population. Also, rigid- and socially avoidant behavior in KS patients was observed to increase over the years. They also observed personality problems such as emotional-, unpredictable-, dramatic-, anxious and fearful behavior in the present and in the past. KS patients reported themselves as healthy individuals, indicating a lack of self-awareness. We recommend training programs for the medical team focussed on psycho-education and supportive interventions for patients with complex personality problems concomitant to KS.

Association between Polymorphism rs1799732 of DRD2 Dopamine Receptor Gene and Personality Traits among Cannabis Dependency

Compared to other addictive substances, patients with cannabis addiction are significantly outnumbered by those who report dependence on other, more addictive substances. Unfortunately, most cannabis addiction goes untreated, and among those who choose treatment, the requirements are much higher for adolescents and young adults.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the relationship of cannabinoid dependency in the genetic context-the association between the rs1799732 polymorphism of the DRD2 gene and psychological traits and anxiety.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 515 male volunteers. Of these, 214 patients were diagnosed with cannabis addiction and 301 were non-addicted. Patients were diagnosed with NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires. The interactions between personality traits and polymorphisms in the DRD2 rs1799732 gene were investigated in a group of cannabis-addicted patients and non-addicted controls using the real-time PCR method.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the case group obtained significantly higher scores on the STAI State, STAI Trait, Neuroticism and Openness scales, as well as lower scores on the Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness scales. There was no statistically significant difference between addicts and the control group in the frequency of genotypes, but there was a statistically significant difference between addicts and the control group in the frequency of the DRD2 allele rs179973. The multivariate ANOVA analysis showed a statistically significant influence of the DRD2 rs1799732 genotype on the NEO-FFI agreeableness scale and a statistically significant effect of addiction to cannabinoids or its absence on the NEO-FFI agreeableness scale score.

CONCLUSIONS

Studying homogeneous subgroups-as in our study-seems reasonable, particularly when combined with genetic determinants and psychological traits. In multigenic and multifactorial entities, such a strategy has a future.

The regulatory role of GABAA receptor in Actinia equina nervous system and the possible effect of global ocean acidification

Global warming and connected acidification of the world ocean attract a substantial amount of research efforts, in particular in a context of their impact on behaviour and metabolism of marine organisms, such as Cnidaria. Nevertheless, mechanisms underlying Cnidarians’ neural signalling and behaviour and their (possible) alterations due to the world ocean acidification remain poorly understood. Here we researched for the first time modulation of GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs) in Actinia equina (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) by pH fluctuations within a range predicted by the world ocean acidification scenarios for the next 80–100 years and by selective pharmacological activation. We found that in line with earlier studies on vertebrates, both changes of pH and activation of GABA_ARs with a selective allosteric agonist (diazepam) modulate electrical charge transfer through GABA_AR and the whole-cell excitability. On top of that, diazepam modifies the animal behavioural reaction on startle response. However, despite behavioural reactions displayed by living animals are controlled by GABA_ARs, changes of pH do not alter them significantly. Possible mechanisms underlying the species resistance to acidification impact are discussed.

Temperament and character traits in substance use disorder in Iran: a case control study

Background

Patients with Substance use disorder have distinct personality traits, they were high score in novelty seeking (NS) and sensation seeking and lower in Self-directedness and higher in Self-transcendence, so we aim to investigate the relationships of temperament and characteristics with related some variables such as substance of choice.

Design and setting

A case–control study enrolling 70 Substance use disorder patients and 70 controls was conducted at Mashhad University of medical sciences.

Methods

Using a case–control design, a group of 70 Substance use disorder patients and 70 controls was conducted at Mashhad university of medical sciences. All participation completed the 240 questions of Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R). Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was employed to compare the relationship between temperament and character traits and patterns of substance use.

Results

The scores of reward dependence, persistence, self-directedness, cooperativeness, and self-transcendence were significantly lower in the case group compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.05). In contrast, the score of novel seeking was significantly higher in the case group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, harm avoidance was not significantly different between the two studied groups (P = 0.637).

Conclusions

Higher NS in patients with substance use disorder is common and different traits, and temperaments would choose different substance combinations.

Self-Reported Sedative Drug Use Among Students Attending at University of Gondar, Gondar, Northwest, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Medical students experience significant psychological stress and are therefore at higher risk of using sedatives. There are currently no studies describing the prevalence of sedative drug use among medical students in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported sedative drug use among medical students attending the College of Medicine and Health Science (CMHS) students at the University of Gondar (UoG).

Material and Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2018 in CMHS at UoG. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered standard questionnaire. Data were collected, entered into a computer using Epi Info 7 software, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Frequency, mean, and standard deviation were used to describe descriptive statistics, and binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between different variables and sedative drug use; P <0.05 was used to declare association.

Results

Of the 422 students who returned questionnaires, 26 (6.2%) participants were reported sedative drug use at some time since enrollment. Of these, 61.54% participants used antihistamine drugs. Smoking status (AOR (95% CI), 0.046 (0.009–0.241) P = 0.0001), stimulant use (AOR (95% CI), 0.220 (0.062–0.780) P = 0.019), sleeping hour (AOR (95% CI), 9.931 (4.155–14.785) P = 0.001) and sleep disorder (AOR (95% CI), 0.149 (0.033–0.680) P = 0.014) were significantly associated with sedative drug use.

Conclusion

Self-reported sedative drug use among medical students at the University of Gondar is relatively low, and antihistamines are the most commonly used drugs. Smoking, stimulant use, sleeping hour, and the presence of sleep disorders were associated with sedative drug use.

Temperament and character of patients with alcohol toxicity during COVID - 19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Corona virus epidemic may be acts as a stressor or trauma that affects both physical health and mental health. People exhibited various reactive behaviors to confront with this stressful situation. In Iran, one of the common motives for alcohol consumption is to scape problems and cope with stresses. It has been shown that personality factors influence alcohol consumption, since they are associated with drinking motives. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between temperament and character and alcohol abuse.

METHODS

This cross-section study was conducted on 135 alcohol intoxicated patients admitted to emergency room in March 2020 and 255 participants who were randomly selected from public in Shiraz. A questionnaire consisted of TCI (Temperament and character inventory) and several questions about COVID-19 pandemic. It was completed by a trained interviewer using the matched answer technique. Demographic factors were self-reported.

RESULTS

Among the alcohol intoxicated group, 117 (86.7%) were males and 18(13.3%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 32.43 ± 10.81 years. Among control group, 99 (38.8%) were males and 156 (61.2%) were females. The mean age of control group was 33.12 ± 14.77 years. Alcohol toxicity was mostly observed among the young males (male/female ratio was 6.45). According to temperament and character index, mean scores of novelty seeking, harm avoidant, and self-transcendence were higher in the alcohol toxicity group than normal population (P < 0.01). Mean scores of reward dependent, cooperativeness, and self-directedness were higher in normal population than the alcohol toxicity group (P < 0.001). The mean score of persistence was not significantly different between methanol intoxicated and normal population groups (P = 0.718).

CONCLUSION

Alcohol intoxicated patients had higher scores of novelty-seeking and self-transcendence and lower scores of reward-dependency scores, cooperativeness and self-directedness. These scores are associated with higher likelihood of personality disorders.

The personality profile of chronic alcohol dependent patients with comorbid gambling disorder symptoms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The importance of personality characteristics in the diagnosis and treatment of gambling disorder (GD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often highlighted in scientific literature. This study aimed to test predictions about the associations of temperament and character in chronic AUD patients with comorbid GD symptoms and without them.

METHODS

Chronic AUD patients enrolled from an inpatient clinic were divided in two groups based on cluster analysis, AUD patients with (AUD + GD group: n = 30) and without (AUD group: n = 68) GD symptoms. Severity of GD symptoms and personality dimensions (Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory Revised, TCI-R) were assessed. Associations of tested variables were analysed with analysis of covariance, one-sample and independent sample t-tests.

RESULTS

GD symptoms proved to be a clustering factor in terms of personality, where AUD + GD group expressed a more maladaptive personality profile. Compared to Hungarian normative TCI-R scores, both patient groups showed elevated levels of Harm Avoidance and Novelty Seeking with lower scores of Self-directedness, while the AUD + GD group scored lower on Persistence and Cooperation as well. The AUD + GD group reported significantly higher levels of Harm Avoidance, with lower scores of Reward Dependence compared to the AUD group.

DISCUSSION

Comorbid GD symptom severity is an important factor in chronic AUD, where AUD patients with comorbid GD symptoms exhibited a more maladaptive personality constellation than singular AUD patients. These emphasize the need of special attention for comorbid GD symptoms in AUD, since treatment recommendations and prognosis for them may also differ.

Exploring Personality and Readiness to Change in Patients With Substance Use Disorders With and Without ADHD

Objective: To explore personality and readiness to change among substance use disorders (SUD) patients with and without ADHD. Method: SUD + ADHD versus SUD - ADHD patients consecutively entering treatment between 2010 and 2012 were compared concerning personality (Temperament and Character Inventory) and readiness to change (Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale). Results: Among 103 SUD patients (76 men, age M = 43.3, SD = 11.1), 16 (15.5%) were diagnosed with ADHD. SUD + ADHD patients reported significantly elevated eagerness to effort (p = .008) compared with SUD - ADHD patients, who reported significantly elevated fear of uncertainty (p < .000). SUD + ADHD patients reported higher ambition (p = .025), self-forgetfulness (p = .029), and lower recognition (p = .022). They were younger (p = .019) and showed more often amphetamine addiction (p = .022) compared with SUD - ADHD patients. Conclusion: The distinct characteristics found in SUD + ADHD and SUD - ADHD patients underline the need for differentiated treatment interventions.

Personality Traits or Genetic Determinants-Which Strongly Influences E-Cigarette Users?

Presently, a growing popularity of electronic cigarettes may be observed. Used as a means of obtaining nicotine they allow to substitute traditional cigarettes. The origins of substance use disorders are conditioned by dopaminergic signaling which influences motivational processes being elementary factors conditioning the process of learning and exhibiting goal-directed behaviors. The study concentrated on analysis of three polymorphisms located in the dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) gene—rs1076560, rs1799732 and rs1079597 using the PCR method, personality traits determined with the Big Five Questionnaire, and anxiety measured with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. The study was conducted on a group of 394 volunteers, consisting e-cigarette users (n = 144) and controls (n = 250). Compared to the controls the case group subjects achieved significantly higher scores in regard to the STAI state and the trait scale, as well as the NEO-FFI Neuroticism and Openness scale. Likewise, in the case of the STAI state for DRD2 rs1076560 significant differences were found. Furthermore, while comparing the groups (e-cigarette users vs. controls) we noticed interactions for the NEO FFI Neuroticism and DRD2 rs1076560. The same was observed in the case of interactions significance while comparing groups (e-cigarette users vs. controls) for the STAI trait/scale and DRD2 rs1799732. Findings from this study demonstrate that psychological factors and genetic determinants should be analyzed simultaneously and comprehensively while considering groups of addicted patients. Since the use, and rapid increase in popularity, of electronic cigarettes has implications for public health, e-cigarette users should be studied holistically, especially younger groups of addicted and experimenting users.

Problematic Alcohol and Drug Use Is Associated with Low Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness

BACKGROUND

Personality traits, such as self-directedness (SD) and cooperativeness (CO), may be indicative of problematic alcohol and/or drug use.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to quantify the association of substance use with SD and CO in a large cohort of adolescents.

METHOD

A total of 6,917 individuals (58% women) at the age of 18 who had filled in the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and Drug Use Disorder Identification Test (DUDIT), and the SD and CO scales from the Temperament and Character -Inventory, as part of the Child and Adolescent Twin study in Sweden were included in the analyses.

RESULTS

High AUDIT scores (>15) were found in 2.4% of the population and high DUDIT scores (>7) in 1.2% of the population. Total score on the AUDIT was negatively correlated (p < 0.001) with SD (r = -0.18) and CO (r = -0.15), as well as total DUDIT with SD (r = -0.11) and CO (r = -0.08). The risk of high AUDIT (>15) and DUDIT (>7) was highest for those with a low (1 standard deviation below mean) SD score (ORs 4.1 and 4.5, p < 0.001) and a low CO score (ORs 3.5 and 4.5, p < 0.001). However, at 1 standard deviation above mean, no association between alcohol or drug use and SD or CO was seen. Using SD and CO scores to predict AUDIT >15 or DUDIT >7 yielded a sensitivity between 62.4 and 71.3% and a specificity between 64.9 and 70.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Personality traits of low SD and CO are associated with increased alcohol and drug use. These findings support the notion that personality traits can be used to identify individuals at high risk of substance abuse.

Specific personality traits and associated psychosocial distresses among individuals with heroin or methamphetamine use disorder in Taiwan

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Previous studies showed the association between substance use disorders (SUDs) and borderline and antisocial personality disorders. Substance abusers may have emotional, somatic and interpersonal distresses. This study aimed to investigate the associations between substance, personality and psychosocial distresses.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study recruited 39 individuals with heroin use disorder (HUD), 111 with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) and 101 as the control group in a rural area of Taiwan. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) and Opiate Treatment Index were used to assess the association between personality and psychosocial conditions. Deviations of the three personality dimensions of TPQ (novelty seeking, harm avoidance, and reward dependence) could reflect eight personality patterns.

RESULTS

We found SUD was associated with high novelty seeking and harm avoidance traits and explosive (borderline) personality pattern, whereas HUD was also linked with sensitive (narcissistic) pattern. Subjects with HUD tended to have more deviant personality traits than subjects with MUD. For subjects with SUDs, all three personality dimensions and sensitive (narcissistic) personality patterns were associated with emotional and somatic distresses, and those with explosive (borderline) and sensitive (narcissistic) patterns had poor social functioning.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate substance abusers with high novelty seeking and harm avoidance, corresponding to explosive (borderline) or sensitive (narcissistic) patterns, to have a higher tendency to suffer from somatic and psychosocial distresses.

The Ankyrin Repeat and Kinase Domain Containing 1 Gene Polymorphism (ANKK1 Taq1A) and Personality Traits in Addicted Subjects

The Taq1A polymorphism located in the ANKK1 gene is one of the most widely studied polymorphisms in regards to the genetics of behavior and addiction. The aim of our study was to analyze this polymorphism with regard to personality characteristics and anxiety measured by means of the Personality Inventory—(NEO Five-Factor Inventory—NEO—FFI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in polysubstance addicted subjects. The study group consisted of 600 male volunteers, including 299 addicted subjects and 301 controls. Psychiatrists recruited members for both groups. Addiction was diagnosed in the case group. In the control group mental illness was excluded. The same psychometric test and genotyping using the real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method was performed for both groups. The results were investigated by means of multivariate analysis of the main effects Multi-factor ANOVA. Significantly higher scores on the scale of STAI state and Neuroticism and Openness traits, as well as lower scores on the scales of Extraversion, Agreeability, and Conscientiousness, were found in the case group subjects, compared to the controls. Differences in frequency of genotypes and alleles of Taq1A polymorphism between the studied groups were not found. Multi-factor ANOVA of addicted subjects and control subjects and the ANKK1 Taq1A variant interaction approximated the statistical significance for the STAI state. The main effects ANOVA of both subjects’ groups were found for the STAI state and trait, the Neuroticism scale, the Extraversion scale, and the Agreeability scale. The ANKK1 Taq1A main effects approximated the statistical significance of the STAI trait. Our study shows not only differences in personality traits between addicted and non-addicted subjects, but also the possible impact of ANKK1 on given traits and on addiction itself.

Cloninger's Temperament Dimensions and Longitudinal Alcohol Use in Early Midlife: A Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

BACKGROUND

Temperament is theorized to be an important factor contributing to the development of alcohol use disorder, but longitudinal studies on how temperament is related to alcohol use among general population in midlife are scarce. Our aims were to investigate potentially reciprocal associations between temperament and changes in alcohol use from age 31 to 46 using prospective birth cohort data.

METHOD

Within the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, alcohol use and temperament were studied at ages 31 and 46. Participants (N = 5,274) were classified into moderate users, abstainers and heavy users based on their mean alcohol use (g/d). Additionally, participants were categorized as steady users, reducers, or increasers. Multinomial regression analyses were conducted with Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) scores as factors influencing alcohol use using moderate and stable users as reference groups. Reciprocity of relations was assessed with cross-lagged structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Temperament and alcohol use are rather stable in midlife. Novelty seeking (NS) predicted heavy use (OR = 1.4; CI: 1.3 to 1.6 for men, OR = 1.3; CI: 1.1 to 1.5 for women) and increasing use (OR = 1.2; CI: 1.1 to 1.4 for men, OR = 1.1; CI: 1.0 to 1.3 for women), whereas low NS predicted abstaining among women (OR = 0.7; CI: 0.6 to 0.8). High harm avoidance (HA) predicted abstaining (OR = 1.3; CI: 1.1 to 1.5) for men. Low persistence (P) among men predicted both abstaining (OR = 0.9; CI: 0.7 to 0.98) and heavy use (OR = 0.9; CI: 0.8 to 0.98). Among women, low reward dependence (RD) predicted heavy use (OR = 0.8; CI: 0.7 to 0.9). Among TCI scores, only NS predicted increasing use in the cross-lagged models.

CONCLUSIONS

Temperament has an impact on alcohol use in midlife. Of the TCI dimensions, only NS seems to predispose to increased alcohol use and problem use throughout life. Additionally, RD among women and P among men are significant factors from a life-course perspective. Our results did not support Cloninger's theory on type I alcoholism, as HA showed no relation to problematic alcohol use in midlife.

Cue-Induced Brain Activation in Chronic Ketamine-Dependent Subjects, Cigarette Smokers, and Healthy Controls: A Task Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

BACKGROUND

Observations of drug-related cues may induce craving in drug-dependent patients, prompting compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Sexual dysfunction is common in drug users. The aim of the study was to examine regional brain activation to drug (ketamine, cigarette smoking) associated cues and natural (sexual) rewards.

METHODS

A sample of 129 [40 ketamine use smokers (KUS), 45 non-ketamine use smokers (NKUS) and 44 non-ketamine use non-smoking healthy controls (HC)] participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing ketamine use related, smoking and sexual films.

RESULTS

We found that KUS showed significant increased activation in anterior cingulate cortex and precuneus in response to ketamine cues. Ketamine users (KUS) showed lower activation in cerebellum and middle temporal cortex compared with non-ketamine users (NKUS and HC) in response to sexual cues. Smokers (KUS and NKUS) showed higher activation in the right precentral frontal cortex in response to smoking cues. Non-ketamine users (NKUS and HC) showed significantly increased activation of cerebellum and middle temporal cortex while viewing sexual cues.

CONCLUSION

These findings clearly show the engagement of distinct neural circuitry for drug-related stimuli in chronic ketamine users. While smokers (both KUS and NKUS) showed overlapping differences in activation for smoking cues, the former group showed a specific neural response to relevant (i.e., ketamine-related) cues. In particular, the heightened response in anterior cingulate cortex may have important implications for how attentionally salient such cues are in this group. Ketamine users (KUS) showed lower activation in response to sexual cues may partly reflect the neural basis of sexual dysfunction.

Prevalence Rates of Personality Disorder and Its Association With Methamphetamine Dependence in Compulsory Treatment Facilities in China

Methamphetamine use is popular and rapidly increasing in China, and the co-occurrence of personality disorders has an impact on treatment outcomes and may increase vulnerability of developing dependence. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence rates of personality disorders in methamphetamine users and further explore the association between personality disorders and methamphetamine use status. Five hundred and seventy-seven male methamphetamine users were recruited. The self-developed questionnaire was used for demographics, and a Structural Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) (SCID-I/II) was performed covering psychiatric diagnosis. Our study found the prevalence of antisocial personality disorder in male methamphetamine users was 71.4%, followed by borderline (20.2%) and obsessive-compulsive (17.9%) personality disorder. Borderline and antisocial personality disorders were found to be risk factors of methamphetamine dependence (adjusted odds ratio = 2.891, p = 0.007 and adjusted odds ratio = 1.680, p = 0.042). These findings suggested personality disorders were highly prevalent in male methamphetamine users, and the comorbidity of antisocial and borderline personality disorders are especially associated with methamphetamine dependence.

The Mediating Role of Autonomy and Relatedness on Maternal and Child Outcomes

The current study examined the mediating role of both mother and child interactive behaviors, which granted or undermined autonomy and relatedness, on the bidirectional and longitudinal association between maternal depressive symptoms and child internalizing behaviors, as well as the association between maternal substance use and child externalizing behaviors. Child's sex and mother's drug of choice were explored as potential moderators of the mediation relationship. Data were collected from 183 dyads including treatment-seeking substance using mothers and their children (95 males, aged between 8 and 16 years old). Structural equation modeling analysis showed girls' internalizing and externalizing behaviors at the 3-month follow-up were negatively associated with the same behaviors at the 12-month follow-up through increased relatedness undermining behaviors from their mothers at the 6-month follow-up. Among mothers with opioids as their drug of choice (DOC), children's externalizing behaviors at the 3-month follow-up were positively associated with mothers' substance use at the 12-month follow-up through the elevated levels of mothers' relatedness undermining behaviors at the 6-month follow-up. Among mothers with alcohol as their DOC, maternal depressive symptoms at the 3-month follow-up were positively related to children's internalizing behaviors at the 12-month follow-up through reduced relatedness undermining behaviors exhibited by mothers at the 6-month follow-up. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to attempt to unravel these longitudinal and bidirectional influences as well as the moderated mediation pathways among families with a substance using mothers.

Blunted ventral striatal responses to anticipated rewards foreshadow problematic drug use in novelty-seeking adolescents

Novelty-seeking tendencies in adolescents may promote innovation as well as problematic impulsive behaviour, including drug abuse. Previous research has not clarified whether neural hyper- or hypo-responsiveness to anticipated rewards promotes vulnerability in these individuals. Here we use a longitudinal design to track 144 novelty-seeking adolescents at age 14 and 16 to determine whether neural activity in response to anticipated rewards predicts problematic drug use. We find that diminished BOLD activity in mesolimbic (ventral striatal and midbrain) and prefrontal cortical (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) regions during reward anticipation at age 14 predicts problematic drug use at age 16. Lower psychometric conscientiousness and steeper discounting of future rewards at age 14 also predicts problematic drug use at age 16, but the neural responses independently predict more variance than psychometric measures. Together, these findings suggest that diminished neural responses to anticipated rewards in novelty-seeking adolescents may increase vulnerability to future problematic drug use.

Some adolescents seek novelty, but it is unknown whether the brain circuits underlying this behaviour can be used to predict later, problematic behaviour. Here, authors show that diminished ventral striatal and prefrontal activity in response to anticipated rewards at age 14 in these individuals predicts problematic drug use at age 16.

The relationship between personality traits and AIDS in patients with human immunodeficiency virus

This study carried out to survey the relationship between personality traits and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus. This case-control study was conducted on 79 AIDS patients of Triangle Clinic in Arak (case group) and 80 healthy people of Valiasr Hospital in Arak (control group). Demographic information checklist and Cloninger' Temperament and Character inventory (TCI) were two instruments applied in the study. SPSS software V.19 and tests independent t-tests, Chi squared and Spearman correlation coefficient were used for data analysis with significant level of <0.05. The average of innovativeness variables (M:74.12), harm avoidance (M: 65.17), reward dependence (M:50.030), and self-directedness (M:35.02) in case group in comparison with control group was significantly higher, and there was a significant difference between two groups variables (P-0.000). The novelty seeking had the highest average in the AIDS patients with a history of addiction (M:74.00), and there was statistically significant difference between perseverance variable (P-0.021) and cooperativeness variable (P-0.041) in the two groups of AIDS patients. There was a significant relationship between novelty seeking and age at the onset of AIDS (P-0.038), harm avoidance and age at the onset of addiction (P-0.046), persistence and age at the onset of AIDS (P-0.035) and the time infected with HIV (P-0.033). It is found that two groups are different due to the personalities, so it is essential to consider the personality traits in order to prevent AIDS and also successfully treat patients suffering from AIDS.

Improving personality/character traits in individuals with alcohol dependence: the influence of mindfulness-oriented meditation

The study of personality is critical to enhance current knowledge of the psychological characteristics of alcohol dependence. Recent evidence shows that mindfulness-oriented meditation positively influences healthy individuals' character. Here, it was assessed whether 8-week mindfulness-oriented meditation promotes similar changes in a group of alcohol-dependent individuals. A control group with alcohol dependence was also tested. Mindfulness-oriented meditation participants showed an increase in the character scores of the temperament and character inventory together with reduced risks of relapse. These longitudinal data highlight the importance of assessing personality in alcohol-dependent individuals and support the utility of therapeutic interventions for alcohol dependence aimed at enhancing individuals' character.

"Food Addiction" in Patients with Eating Disorders is Associated with Negative Urgency and Difficulties to Focus on Long-Term Goals

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate if eating disorder patients differ in specific personality traits depending on a positive screening of food addiction (FA) and to find a model to predict FA in eating disorder patients using measures of personality and impulsivity.

Methods: Two hundred seventy eight patients, having an eating disorder, self-reported on FA, impulsivity, personality, eating and general psychopathology. Patients were then split into two groups, depending on a positive or negative result on the FA screening. Analysis of variance was used to compare means between the two groups. Stepwise binary logistic regression was used to obtain a predictive model for the presence of FA.

Results: Patients with FA had lower self-directedness, and more negative urgency and lack of perseverance than patients not reporting addictive eating. The probability of FA can be predicted by high negative urgency, high reward dependence, and low lack of premeditation.

Conclusion: Eating disorder patients who have more problems to pursue tasks to the end and to focus on long-term goals seem to be more likely to develop addictive eating patterns.

Comparative Study of the Activity of Brain Behavioral Systems in Methamphetamine and Opiate Dependents

BACKGROUND

Substance dependency is a major problem for the general health of a society. Different approaches have investigated the substance dependency in order to explain it. Gray's reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) is an advanced and important neuropsychological theory in this area.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare three systems of the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory the behavioral activation system (r-BAS), the revised behavioral inhibition system (r-BIS), and the revised fight/flight/freezing system (r-FFFS) between patients dependent on methamphetamine and opiates, and a group of controls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This research was a causal-comparative study that was conducted in the first six months of 2012. The population of the study was males of Mashhad city, who were dependent on methamphetamine or opiates, and ruling out psychotic disorders and prominent Axis II. Twenty-five people were selected by the convenient sampling method. Also, 25 non-dependent people from the patients' relatives were selected and matched for the variables of age, gender, and education to participate in this study. Participants were evaluated using a structured clinical interview (SCID) for DSM-IV, demographic questionnaire information, and a Jackson-5 questionnaire (2009). Data were analyzed by Chi-square, K-S, and independent t-test.

RESULTS

The methamphetamine dependent group had a higher sensitivity in the r-BAS, r-BIS, and the r-Fight and r-Freezing systems compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in r-Flight between the two groups (P > 0.05). "The scores of r-BIS were also significantly higher in the methamphetamine-dependent group than the opioid-dependent and control groups. For the r-Fight variable, the methamphetamine-dependent group was higher than the opioid-dependent group".

CONCLUSIONS

The personality patterns of patients dependent on methamphetamines were different from the controls. These people have a high sensitivity to punishment cues, such as being compared in social conditions and a tendency for reinforcement and reward, because of their higher sensitivity in the behavioral inhibition and activation systems.

Role of Temperament, Personality Traits and Onset Age of Smoking in Predicting Opiate Dependence

BACKGROUND

According to drug gateway theory, smoking cigarettes, especially, low onset age of smoking, is one of the risk factors for future use.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to compare nicotine and opiate addicts to identify the differences in personality traits and onset age of smoking in the two groups that cause some individuals to appeal to other substances after starting to use cigarettes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two groups of opiate and nicotine addicts were randomly selected. Revised version of the Cloninger temperament inventory questionnaire, the Fagrastrom nicotine dependence and the Maudsley addiction profile were used. ANOVA and logistic regression were applied for data analysis.

RESULTS

Opiate addicts had higher scores in novelty seeking dimension and lower scores in cooperativeness compared to nicotine addicts. The onset age of smoking cigarette in opiate addicts was lower than nicotine addicts.

CONCLUSIONS

Low onset age of smoking cigarettes, high novelty seeking and low cooperativeness in opiate dependents are among the important personality traits in future use of drugs that can predict the subsequent onset of using opiate drugs.

Commonalities and Differences Across Substance Use Disorders: Phenomenological and Epidemiological Aspects

BACKGROUND

Although psychoactive substances vary in many ways, they have important commonalties, particularly in their ability to lead to an addiction syndrome. The field lacks an updated review of the commonalities and differences in the phenomenology of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, sedatives/tranquilizers, and inhalants and their related substance use disorders (SUDs).

METHODS

DSM-IV and DSM-5 SUD diagnostic criteria were reviewed, as was evidence from recent epidemiological and clinical research: psychometric studies (test-retest reliability, latent trait analysis); physiological indicators (tolerance, withdrawal); prevalence and age of onset. Information was incorporated from previous reviews, PubMed and Scopus literature searches, and data from large U.S. national surveys.

RESULTS

Empirical evidence in the form of test-retest reliability and unidimensionality supports use of the same DSM-IV dependence or DSM-5 SUD diagnostic criteria across substances. For most substances, the criteria sets were generally most informative in general population samples at moderate-to-severe levels of SUD. Across substances, 2 criteria (tolerance and use in hazardous situations) were identified as functioning differently in population subgroups. Since substances have different pharmacological effects, withdrawal is assessed using substance-specific symptoms, while tolerance is not; issues remain with the assessment of tolerance. Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis were consistently identified as the substances with earliest onset of use, highest prevalence of lifetime use, and highest prevalence of lifetime disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite differences between psychoactive substances, the generic DSM criteria set appears equally applicable across substances. Additional studies of tolerance and hazardous use will be useful for future nosologies. Alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco are the substances with the greatest public health impact due to the high prevalence and early onset of their use, and the potential all 3 substances have to lead to addiction.

Personality in male patients with substance use disorder and/or severe mental illness

Dual diagnosis (DD) is the coexistence of a substance use disorder (SUD) and severe mental illness (SMI). The aim of this study is to determine for the first time if a specific personality pattern exists for DD patients compared to those who only have SUD or SMI. The sample was composed of 102 male, 34 patients in each group (DD, SUD and SMI). DD and SMI groups included 20 schizophrenic and 14 depressed patients respectively. Cloninger's TCI-R was administered together with a structured interview of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. All the temperament dimensions and Self-directedness provided differences among groups. The DD and SUD showed significant higher scores in Novelty Seeking regarding SMI, whereas for Harm Avoidance the SUD subjects scored lower with respect to the DD and SMI group. Persistence was significant lower for the DD and SMI groups compared to the SUD patients. The DD obtained low significant scores in Reward Dependence in relation to the SUD and Self-directedness in relation to the SUD and SMI. Our data highlight the presence of a different personality profiles among DD, SUD and SMI disorders. Taking into account the patients' personality can benefit the clinical course and minimize the DD impact.

Novelty Seeking as a Phenotypic Marker of Adolescent Substance Use

Trait novelty seeking has been consistently implicated in substance use, yet the origins and mechanisms of novelty seeking in substance use proneness are unclear. We aimed to characterize novelty seeking as a phenotypic marker of substance use proneness in adolescence, a critical period for drug use experimentation. To this end, we parsed novelty seeking's two constituent subdimensions - exploratory excitability (drive for novel experience) and impulsiveness (careless decision-making) - and explored the individual relations of these dimensions to: (1) the use of a variety of licit and illicit substances, (2) family history of substance use, and (3) subjective drug effects. Five hundred eighty five adolescents (mean age = 14.5 years) completed surveys of key variables. Results indicated that, when accounting for the covariation among exploratory excitability and impulsiveness, impulsiveness emerged as the more salient correlate of substance use and was independently associated with initiation of nearly all drug classes. Mediation analyses of the mechanisms of novelty seeking-related risk illustrated that impulsiveness mediated the association of family history of substance use with both initiation and past 30-day frequency of use. Both impulsiveness and exploratory excitability were associated with increased positive and negative subjective drug effects, and the analyses supported a significant indirect pathway from impulsiveness to a more frequent use via positive subjective effects. Although limited by a cross-sectional design, these findings suggest that impulsiveness-like aspects of the novelty seeking construct may represent a useful phenotypic marker for early substance use proneness that potentially (1) increases initiation risk, (2) has familial origins, and (3) promotes more frequent use by altering subjective drug response.

Emotional self-efficacy and alcohol and tobacco use in adolescents

This study examined relationships between emotional self-efficacy (ESE) and alcohol and tobacco use in a statewide sample of public high school adolescents (n = 2,566). The Center for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey and an adolescent ESE scale were utilized. Logistic regression analyses indicated the presence of any significant race by gender associations between lower ESE and alcohol and tobacco use. Results suggest that alcohol and cigarette use was significantly associated (p ≤ .05) with lower levels of ESE for certain race/gender groups. Results have implications for school- and community-based mental health services and substance use prevention/education programs for adolescents. Measures of ESE as a component of comprehensive assessments of adolescent mental health in fieldwork, research, and substance abuse prevention/education program evaluation efforts should be considered.

Temperament and character traits associated with the use of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and hallucinogens: evidence from a large Brazilian web survey

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate how personality traits are associated with occasional use, abuse, and dependence of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and hallucinogens in a large availability sample of adults via online questionnaires.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 8,646 individuals (24.7% men and 75.3% women) who completed an anonymous web survey. Involvement with drugs and temperament/character traits were assessed through the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the Temperament and Character Inventory - Revised (TCI-R), respectively. Interactions among variables were analyzed using MANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment.

RESULTS

Novelty seeking was the trait most associated with increased involvement with alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine. There was a significant association between harm avoidance and benzodiazepine use. Persistence was lower in cannabis-, benzodiazepine-, and cocaine-dependent subjects, as well as in hallucinogen abusers. Self-directedness was reduced in dependents of all drug classes. No strong relationships were found between other temperament or character dimensions and the severity of drug use.

CONCLUSIONS

Novelty seeking was associated with increased involvement with all drugs studied in this sample, although to a lesser extent with benzodiazepines and hallucinogens. The temperament and character profile for benzodiazepine use was different from that of other drugs due to the relationship with higher harm avoidance and self-transcendence and lower self-directedness.

Determinants of personality in the scope of motivation for maintaining abstinence in the case of male alcohol-dependent individuals concluding therapy

<b>Background</b><br /> The results of numerous studies indicate strong associations of personality with the occurrence, and also with the treatment, of alcohol dependence. However, there is no agreement regarding the role of particular dimensions of temperament and character in the course of, and for the results of, alcohol rehabilitation therapy. The objective of the present research was to investigate the relationships between the dimensions of temperament and character as they are presented by Robert Cloninger and motivation for maintaining abstinence in the case of male alcohol-dependent individuals concluding the therapy.<br /> <br /> <b>Participants and procedure</b><br /> Eighty-nine male alcohol-dependent individuals, concluding alcohol rehabilitation therapy in an outpatient setting, were studied. The following research tools were applied: the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) of R. Clo­ninger in the Polish adaptation of E. Hornowska (2003), and the Motivation for Maintaining Abstinence Inventory, the author of which is M. Ziółkowski.<br /> <br /> <b>Results</b><br /> Two clusters, differing in the aspect of motivation for maintaining abstinence after the conclusion of the treatment, were distinguished: of individuals manifesting weaker motivation (n = 39) and those manifesting stronger motivation (n = 50). The patients with stronger motivation manifested the following major features: a lower level of harm avoidance, a higher level of reward dependence, and a higher level of cooperativeness.<br /> <br /> <b>Conclusions</b><br /> Personality as it is presented by Cloninger manifests connections with motivation for maintaining abstinence. The research confirms the need for diagnosing addicted patients in the scope of temperament and character traits.

Personality as a risk factor for illicit opioid use and a protective factor for illicit opioid dependence

BACKGROUND

Most studies investigating the role of personality as a risk factor for the development of opioid dependence compare dependent opioid users with healthy controls who never used heroin. In order to understand the potential protective role of personality, it is crucial to compare illicit opioid users who never became dependent with dependent opioid users.

AIMS

This study aims to examine the role of personality as a risk factor for opioid use and as a protective factor for the development of opioid dependence.

METHODS

Comparing personality factors between three groups: (1) 161 never-dependent illicit opioid users who have been using illicit opioids but never became opioid dependent; (2) 402 dependent opioid users in methadone maintenance treatment or heroin-assisted treatment; and (3) 135 healthy controls who never used heroin. Personality was assessed with a short version of Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory.

RESULTS

Never-dependent opioid users reported more Novelty Seeking and Harm Avoidance and less Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness than healthy controls and more Reward Dependence and Self-Directedness, and less Harm Avoidance than dependent opioid users. Furthermore, never-dependent opioid users reported more Self-Transcendence than both dependent opioid users and healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Never-dependent opioid users may have started to use opioids partly due to their tendency to seek novel and/or spiritual experiences (high Novelty Seeking, high Self-Transcendence) and their tendency to avoid aversive stimuli (high Harm Avoidance), whereas they may have been protected against the development of dependence by their need for social approval (high Reward Dependence) and their self-efficacy (high Self-Directedness).

Rash impulsiveness and reward sensitivity as predictors of treatment outcome in male substance dependent patients

Recent theories hypothesize that the impulsivity observed in addictive behaviors is a two-factor construct, consisting of Rash Impulsiveness and Reward Sensitivity. There is some evidence for this distinction, but it is unknown what the clinical relevance of this distinction is. The present study examines the predictive value of the two-factor model regarding drop-out from treatment and relapse into substance use in a clinical population of male substance dependent patients. Both behavioral and self-report measures of Rash Impulsiveness and Reward Sensitivity were measured during treatment while substance use relapse was measured after 90days. Results indicate that treatment drop-out could be predicted by a behavioral index of Reward Sensitivity (Card Playing Task); self-reported Rash Impulsiveness only approached significance as predictor drop-out. In contrast, relapse could not be predicted in the present study. These findings might have implications for the early identification and treatment of patients at risk of treatment drop-out.

Adult separation anxiety and TCI-R personality dimensions in patients with anxiety, alcohol use, and gambling: a preliminary report

Background. Nowadays, adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) is an established diagnostic category but is little investigated in subjects with addictive behaviours. Objective. To assess the presence of ASAD among patients with addictive disorders in comparison with anxiety patients and measure the personality correlates in all these groups. Methods. 103 outpatients, meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for anxiety disorders (38 patients), alcohol dependence (30 patients), or pathological gambling (35 patients), were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCI-SAS) and the Adult Separation Anxiety Checklist (ASA-27) for separation anxiety and by the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R) for personality characteristics. Results. ASAD is detected in 34.2% of anxiety patients, 13.3% of alcoholics, and 11.4% of gamblers. Separation anxiety scores correlate positively with harm avoidance and negatively with self-directedness in all groups; further correlations are seen among addictive patients only, that is, self-transcendence for gamblers and cooperativeness for both alcoholics and gamblers. Conclusions. The prevalence of ASAD is lower among addictive patients than in those with anxiety disorders; correlations are found between separation anxiety and specific TCI-R dimensions, with some matching across the three diagnostic groups.

The tridimensional personality of male heroin users treated with methadone in Taiwan

It was our assumption that male heroin users have the personality traits of high impulsivity and low social interaction. Compliance regarding methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is hypothesized to be related to personality features. We recruited 43 patients that had been receiving MMT and 43 healthy volunteers. All participants completed a Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). Information related to the Opiate Treatment Index (OTI) was gathered from the heroin group. The personality dimensions in the heroin user group and the control group were compared. We further investigated the association between TPQ and OTI. The heroin group presented with lower reward dependence than the control group. Regarding sub-dimensions, heroin users showed higher impulsivity and fatigability, and lower exploratory excitability and social dependence. The explosive (borderline) pattern was more common among the heroin users. The odds ratio of explosive pattern developing to heroin dependence was 4.19. Q scores of heroin use and the maximal methadone dose were associated with persistence.

Emotional traits and affective temperaments in alcohol users, abusers and dependents in a national sample

BACKGROUND

It is unclear how temperament is related to alcohol-related behavior in large population studies. We have used the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS) model to evaluate how emotional traits and affective temperaments are associated with alcohol use, abuse, and dependence in the general population.

METHODS

Data from 10,603 subjects (mean age=28.0±7.8 years, 70.3% females) was collected anonymously by the Internet in Brazil using the AFECTS model and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Alcohol use was stratified into control, low use, abuse, and dependence groups.

RESULTS

The analysis of dimensional traits showed that Volition and Coping were lower, and Sensitivity was higher, in the abuse and dependence groups, with no differences between the Control and the Low Use groups. Alcohol consumption was also associated with lower Control, Stability, and Caution, and higher with Anger, Anxiety, and Desire, with significant differences between all groups. Regarding affective temperament types, alcohol abuse and dependence were associated with euphoric and cyclothymic temperaments in both genders, which was mirrored by a lower frequency of both euthymic and hyperthymic types. Only hyperthymics were overrepresented in the Control group for both genders.

LIMITATIONS

Data was collected by Internet only.

CONCLUSIONS

A global dysfunction of emotional traits and a predominance of cyclothymic and euphoric temperaments were associated with alcohol-related behavior. Prevention and treatment strategies may be developed more effectively if these traits are taken into account.

Association of dopamine receptor gene polymorphism and psychological personality traits in liability for opioid addiction

There is a clear evidence that same psychoactive substance may cause various individual physiological reactions in same environmental conditions. Although there is a general attitude on equal liability to opioid addiction, latest genetic analysis findings imply there are certain quantifiable factors that could lead to elevated individual liability towards development of opioid addiction. The goal of this study was to investigate association of certain personality traits and genetic factors (separately and in combination) with heroin addiction. Total of 200 individuals participated in the study: 100 patients on Metadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) and 100 age and sex matched healthy volunteers. All were medically examined, interviewed and psychologically evaluated using Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ) and genotyped for DRD2 (rs1800497) using PCR-RFLP method. Overrepresentation of certain personality traits (neuroticism, psychoticism and extraversion/ intraversion), together with environemental risk factors such as: upbringing within incomplete families and familial history of psychotropic substances abuse, are associated with high-risk development of opioid addiction.

Direct and indirect symptom severity indicators of alcohol dependence and the personality concept of the biosocial model

Temperament and character factors are strongly related to the developmental, clinical, and treatment aspects of alcohol dependence. This study had the aim of revealing the underlying personality structure and individual differences in the symptoms of alcohol dependence measured by multiple severity indicators. Patients with alcohol dependence exhibited higher levels of novelty seeking and harm avoidance, and lower levels of persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness. Especially novelty seeking was connected with more severe alcohol dependence. These characteristics could be useful targets of interventions and Temperament and Character Inventory is therefore a useful measurement to identify patients with more severe alcohol-related problems.

A twin study of genetic influences on diurnal preference and risk for alcohol use outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The population-based University of Washington Twin Registry (UWTR) was used to examine (1) genetic influences on chronobiology and (2) whether these genetic factors influence alcohol-use phenotypes.

METHODS

We used a reduced Horne-Östberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) to survey UWTR participants for diurnal preference. Frequency and quantity of alcohol use, as well as binge drinking (6+ drinks per occasion), were assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. Both diurnal preference and alcohol use were self-reported. Twin data were analyzed by using structural equation models.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 2,945 participants (mean age = 36.4 years), including 1,127 same-sex and opposite-sex twin pairs and 691 individual twins. The rMEQ range was 4-25, with a mean score of 15.3 (SD 4.0). Diurnal "morning types" comprised 30.7% (N = 903) of participants, while 17.4% (N = 513) were "evening types." Regarding alcohol use, 21.2% (N = 624) reported never drinking. Among drinkers, 35.7% (N = 829) reported ≥ 3 drinks per occasion and 48.1% (N = 1,116) reported at least one instance of binge drinking. Genetic influences accounted for 37% of the variance in diurnal preference, with the remaining 63% due to non-shared environmental influences. Genetic propensities toward diurnal eveningness were significantly associated with increased alcohol quantity (β = -0.17; SE = 0.05, p < 0.001) and increased binge drinking (β = -0.19; SE = 0.04, p < 0.001), but not with frequency of alcohol use. Environmental paths between diurnal preference and alcohol use phenotypes were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic influences on diurnal preference confer elevated risk for problematic alcohol use, including increased quantity and binge drinking. Differences in circadian rhythm may be an important and understudied pathway of risk for genetic influences on alcohol use.

Using Cloninger's temperament scales to predict substance-related behaviors in adolescents: a prospective longitudinal study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We tested one of Cloninger's temperament theories - that high novelty seeking (NS), along with low harm avoidance (HA), reward dependence (RD), and persistence (PE), predicts early-onset substance problems.

METHODS

In a community-based sample of 777 adolescents examined at two time points (mean age 13 and 18, respectively), we examined whether Cloninger's four temperament dimensions at wave 1 predicted five substance-related outcomes at wave 2: age of initiation for cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs, number of substance classes tried, and total number of DSM-IV substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms.

RESULTS

Cloninger's predicted temperament pattern did significantly predict the number of SUD symptoms at wave 2. For initiation of cigarettes/illicit drugs and number of substance classes tried, HA/NS/PE fit the pattern, but RD did not. For onset of alcohol, only NS and PE fit Cloninger's prediction. Results for NS and PE were most consistent.

CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

Overall, this study provides evidence that Cloninger's theory may hold true for predicting problem use more than for predicting "use" or experimentation. In addition, youth with high novelty seeking and low persistence may find substances especially reinforcing, and identifying these youth and intervening before initiation has occurred may reduce the risk of future substance-related problems.

Interaction between novelty seeking and the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene in heroin-dependent patients

OBJECTIVES

Heroin dependence is a multifactor disorder. We investigated the association of genetic factors and heroin-dependent temperaments to determine whether a temperament-gene interaction is involved in the pathogenesis of heroin dependence.

METHODS

Three hundred seventy participants (259 heroin-dependent patients and 111 healthy controls) were recruited and finished the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire to assess personality traits (temperament). The genotypes of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene and the Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene using polymerase chain reactions plus restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

RESULTS

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant main effects for novelty seeking (P ≤ 0.001) and harm-avoidance (P = 0.001) scores, and a significant interaction effect between novelty seeking and ALDH2 genotypes (P = 0.016) in heroin-dependent patients compared with controls. When stratified by the ALDH2 genotypes, only heroin-dependent patients with the *1*2 and *2*2 genotypes at ALDH2 had higher novelty-seeking scores than did controls (heroin dependence = 15.94, controls = 12.46; P ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide initial evidence that the ALDH2 gene interacted with novelty seeking in heroin-dependent Han Chinese patients in Taiwan.

What does self-identified drug of choice tell us about individuals under community corrections supervision?

OBJECTIVES

The term "drug of choice" (DOC) refers to substance abusers' preferred drug and this information often adds to the clinical picture of the patient because substance users often meet diagnostic criteria for dependence on multiple drugs. Characteristics such as age, race, marital status, and psychiatric illnesses have been shown to differentiate among individuals with different DOC preferences. However, no studies have examined DOC in the context of criminal behavior and other drug dependencies.

METHODS

The participants (N = 15,475) of a community corrections program, Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (TASC), were classified by DOC for the 4 main drugs of abuse (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and opioids) and each drug class was compared with the other 3 DOC using binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Alcohol as DOC was associated with being older, white, male, having private health insurance, being medicated for a mental health disorder, and having a criminal history of person offenses. Cocaine as DOC was associated with being older, black, female, attempting suicide, having less than a high school education, living in a shelter or with relatives, being unemployed, being uninsured, being physically and sexually abused, and committing property and court offenses but not person or substance offenses. Marijuana as DOC was associated with being younger, black, male, never being married, and committing substance but not property or court offenses. Opioids as DOC were associated with being white, female, being married, higher education, being unemployed, and being medicated for a mental health disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there were substantial differences between the 4 DOC groups, and the results are commensurate with expectations based on the abuse and dependency literature.

The relationship of affective temperament and emotional-behavioral difficulties to internet addiction in Turkish teenagers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of affective temperament profiles and emotional and behavioural characteristics with Internet addiction among high school students. The study sample included 303 high school students. A sociodemographic characteristics data form, internet addiction scale (IAS), the strengths and difficulties questionnaire, and the temperament evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego autoquestionnaire were used to collect data. Of the sample, 6.6% were found to be addicted to Internet. Having a computer in the home (P < 0.001) and using the Internet for more than two years (P < 0.001) were found to be related to higher scores on the IAS. The prevalence rate of anxious temperament for Internet addicts was more than that for nonaddicts (P < 0.001). Dysthymic (r = 0.199; P < 0.01), cyclothymic (r = 0.249; P < 0.01), hyperthymic (r = 0.156; P < 0.01), irritable (r = 0.254; P < 0.01), and anxious (r = 0.205; P < 0.01) temperaments; conduct problems (r = 0.146; P < 0.05), hyperactivity-inattention (r = 0.133; P < 0.05), emotional symptoms (r = 0.138; P < 0.05), and total difficulties (r = 0.160; P < 0.01) were found to be correlated with IAS scores. According to these findings, there is a relation between the Internet addiction and affective temperament profiles, especially with anxious temperament. Furthermore, emotional and behavioural problems are more frequent in adolescents who have problematic Internet use.

A two year longitudinal outcome study of addicted health care professionals: an investigation of the role of personality variables

The co-morbidity of personality disorders (PDs) and other dysregulatory personality patterns with addiction have been well-established, although few studies have examined this interplay on long-term sobriety outcome. In addition, health care professionals suffering from addiction have both a significant public health impact and a unique set of treatment and recovery challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate if personality variables differentiated sobriety outcome in this population over a two year interval. A clinical sample of health care professionals participated in a substance abuse hospital treatment program individually tailored with respect to personality. Participants took the Temperament and Character Inventory and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory at intake, and were tracked two years post-discharge to determine sobriety status. Univariate analyses showed antisocial personality, female gender, and alcohol dependence were independent predictors of relapse, however a significant relationship between personality and substance use did not exist in multivariate analysis when controlling for demographic variables The lack of multivariate relationships demonstrates the heterogeneity in self-report measures of personality, which suggests the interplay of personality and addiction is complex and individualized.

Substance use among inmates at the Eldoret prison in Western Kenya

BACKGROUND

Criminal activity and social problems are recognized as important outcomes of substance use and abuse. Little research has been carried out on substance use among prison inmates in Kenya. General population surveys that have examined drug use usually omit this 'hidden' population which may offer insight into drug related morbidity and invaluable preventive measures. This study is set out to determine the lifetime prevalence and factors associated with substance use, including the most frequently used substances, among inmates at a government prison in Western Kenya.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive study, using the WHO model questionnaire and an additional drug use and effects questionnaire among prisoners at the Eldoret Government of Kenya (GK) prison, Kenya.

SETTING

Study was carried out at the Eldoret G.K. prison, with a population of 1325 (1200 males and 125 females) inmates.

SUBJECTS

Three hundred and ninety five prisoners, who gave consent, were selected, consisting of 271 males (68.6%) selected by simple random sampling, and 124 females (31.4%) enrolled consecutively due to their small number. The mean age was 33.3 years (18-72, s.d. 9.8) while the mean number of years of formal education was 8.4 (0-15, s.d. 3.4).

RESULTS

Lifetime prevalence of substance use was 66.1%, while that of alcohol use was 65.1%. Both were significantly associated with male gender, urban residence and higher level of education. The lifetime prevalence of cigarette use was 32.7% while 22.5% admitted to chewing tobacco. Factors significantly associated with tobacco use were male gender, urban residence, being unmarried, younger age, lack of income in the past year. The prevalence of cannabis use was 21%, and this was associated with male gender, urban residence, being unmarried, and being a student in the past year. Other substances used included amphetamines (9.4%), volatile inhalants (9.1%), sedatives (3.8%), tranquillizers (2.3%), cocaine (2.3%), and heroine (1.3%). Users were commonly introduced to the habit by friends (70.8%), immediate family members (13.7%) and other close relatives (6.2%). Among those who reported lifetime substance use the common reasons attributed to the habit were the need to relax (26.5%), relieve stress (24.5%) and confidence to commit a crime (4.5%). Majority of those who reported alcohol use were already suffering ill effects.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high prevalence of substance use among prisoners at the Eldoret G.K. prison. The increased morbidity and unpleasant psychosocial consequences of this habit suggest a need for establishment of substance use management programmes in Kenyan prisons.