Personality dimensions and substance misuse: relationships in adolescents, mothers and fathers

Temperament and character inventory (TCI) personality profile in metamphetamine abusers: a controlled study

We applied the temperament and character inventory (TCI) personality questionnaire in 41 inpatients dependent on metamphetamine, and 35 controls. Novelty seeking, harm avoidance and self-transcendence were significantly higher, and persistence, self-directedness and cooperativeness were significantly lower in the patients than in the healthy volunteers. The detected differences may be important for prevention and treatment.

The structure of the UPPS-R-Child impulsivity scale and its relations with substance use outcomes among treatment-seeking adolescents

BACKGROUND

A youth version of the UPPS Impulsivity Scale (UPPS-R-C) was previously shown to predict drinking initiation among pre-adolescents. The goals of the current study were to confirm the structure of the UPPS-R-C using a sample of treatment-seeking adolescents and to examine the scales' relations with alcohol use, marijuana use, and problems related to substance use.

METHOD

Participants (N=120; ages 12-18; M=15.7) completed questionnaires at treatment intake. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the UPPS-R-C was conducted using a 5-factor model with factors corresponding to negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of perseverance, lack of premeditation, and sensation seeking. Relations between UPPS-R-C factors and binge drinking, marijuana use, and problems resulting from substance use were examined using path analysis.

RESULTS

CFA suggested the 5-factor model provided adequate fit to the data. The hypothesized path model was partially supported, positive urgency was associated with frequency of binge drinking, and both negative urgency and frequency of binge drinking was associated with problems due to substance use. Other hypothesized paths were not significant. Although not hypothesized, negative urgency was associated with frequency of marijuana use and lack of perseverance was associated with problems due to use.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the UPPS-R-C can be used with a treatment-seeking sample of adolescents. Furthermore, negative urgency, positive urgency, and lack of perseverance may be indicative of more severe substance use problems in a treatment setting.

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.

Desire thinking as a mediator of the relationship between novelty seeking and craving

Background

The construct of craving has been shown to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors. Both novelty seeking and desire thinking have been identified, respectively, as important temperamental and cognitive predictors of craving.

Aims

In the present study we aimed to explore the relative contribution of novelty seeking and desire thinking towards craving, hypothesizing a sequence of multiple mediating relationships starting from novelty seeking and moving onto imaginal prefiguration, verbal perseveration and craving in serial fashion.

Method

A convenience sample of 270 individuals completed measures assessing novelty seeking, desire thinking, and craving relating to a chosen activity.

Results

Findings showed that, controlling for age and gender, desire thinking components predicted craving over and above novelty seeking. The indirect effect from novelty seeking to craving, via desire thinking components, was significant thus supporting a multiple-mediational sequence. Finally, the relationship between imaginal prefiguration and craving was found to be partially mediated by verbal perseveration.

Conclusions

The findings provide support for the conceptualization of desire thinking as an independent construct in predicting craving over and above novelty seeking.

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We examined the relationship between desire thinking, temperament and craving.

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Findings support a multiple mediational sequence from novelty seeking to craving.

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Desire thinking mediates the relationship between novelty seeking and craving.

Multivariate analysis of dopaminergic gene variants as risk factors of heroin dependence

BACKGROUND

Heroin dependence is a debilitating psychiatric disorder with complex inheritance. Since the dopaminergic system has a key role in rewarding mechanism of the brain, which is directly or indirectly targeted by most drugs of abuse, we focus on the effects and interactions among dopaminergic gene variants.

OBJECTIVE

To study the potential association between allelic variants of dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), ANKK1 (ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1), dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4), catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) and dopamine transporter (SLC6A3) genes and heroin dependence in Hungarian patients.

METHODS

303 heroin dependent subjects and 555 healthy controls were genotyped for 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs4680 of the COMT gene; rs1079597 and rs1800498 of the DRD2 gene; rs1800497 of the ANKK1 gene; rs1800955, rs936462 and rs747302 of the DRD4 gene. Four variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) were also genotyped: 120 bp duplication and 48 bp VNTR in exon 3 of DRD4 and 40 bp VNTR and intron 8 VNTR of SLC6A3. We also perform a multivariate analysis of associations using Bayesian networks in Bayesian multilevel analysis (BN-BMLA).

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

In single marker analysis the TaqIA (rs1800497) and TaqIB (rs1079597) variants were associated with heroin dependence. Moreover, -521 C/T SNP (rs1800955) of the DRD4 gene showed nominal association with a possible protective effect of the C allele. After applying the Bonferroni correction TaqIB was still significant suggesting that the minor (A) allele of the TaqIB SNP is a risk component in the genetic background of heroin dependence. The findings of the additional multiple marker analysis are consistent with the results of the single marker analysis, but this method was able to reveal an indirect effect of a promoter polymorphism (rs936462) of the DRD4 gene and this effect is mediated through the -521 C/T (rs1800955) polymorphism in the promoter.

The validity of the Health-Relevant Personality Inventory (HP5i) and the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI) among adolescents referred for a substance misuse problem

The aim was to study the validity of 2 personality instruments, the Health-Relevant Personality Inventory (HP5i) and the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI), among adolescents with a substance use problem. Clinical interviews were completed with 180 adolescents and followed up after 12 months. Discriminant validity was demonstrated in the lack of correlation to intelligence in both instruments' scales. Two findings were in support of convergent validity: Negative affectivity (HP5i) and harm avoidance (JTCI) were correlated to internalizing symptoms, and impulsivity (HP5i) and novelty seeking (JTCI) were correlated to externalizing symptoms. The predictive validity of JTCI was partly supported. When psychiatric symptoms at baseline were controlled for, cooperativeness predicted conduct disorder after 12 months. Summarizing, both instruments can be used in adolescent clinical samples to tailor treatment efforts, although some scales need further investigation. It is important to include personality assessment when evaluating psychiatric problems in adolescents.

Life stress, the dopamine receptor gene, and emerging adult drug use trajectories: a longitudinal, multilevel, mediated moderation analysis

This study was designed to examine the prospective relations of life stress and genetic status with increases in drug use. African Americans (N = 399) in rural Georgia (Wave 1 mean age = 17 years) provided three waves of data across 27.5 months and a saliva sample from which the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene was genotyped. Multilevel growth curve modeling analysis indicated that emerging adults manifested the highest escalations in drug use when they reported high life stress and carried an allele of DRD4 with 7 or more repeats (7 + R allele). In addition, emerging adults who reported high life stress and carried the 7 + R allele evinced the largest increases in two proximal risk factors for drug use: affiliations with drug-using companions and drug use vulnerability cognitions. Furthermore, when the Gene × Environment interaction effects on the increases in affiliations with drug-using companions and vulnerability cognitions were entered into the model forecasting drug use, the Life Stress × DRD4 Status interaction on drug use became nonsignificant in the presence of the risk mechanisms. This finding provides an example of "second generation" Gene × Environment interaction research in which the interaction's effects on proximal risk mechanisms account for its effects on outcomes.

Novelty-evoked activity in open field predicts susceptibility to helpless behavior

Learned helplessness in animals has been used to model disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is a lack of knowledge concerning which individual behavioral characteristics at baseline can predict helpless behavior after exposure to inescapable stress. The first aim of this study was to determine behavioral predictors of helplessness using the novel and familiar open-field tests, sucrose consumption, and passive harm-avoidance tasks before learned helplessness training and testing. Individual differences in physiologic responses to restraint stress were also assessed. A cluster analysis of escape latencies from helplessness testing supported the division of the sample population of Holtzman rats into approximately 50% helpless and 50% non-helpless. Linear regression analyses further revealed that increased reactivity to the novel environment, but not general activity or habituation, predicted susceptibility to learned helplessness. During restraint stress there were no mean differences in heart rate, heart rate variability, and plasma corticosterone between helpless and non-helpless rats; however, a lower heart rate during stress was associated with higher activity levels during exploration. Our most important finding was that by using an innocuous screening tool such as the novel and familiar open-field tests, it was possible to identify subjects that were susceptible to learned helplessness.

Relationship of alexithymia and temperament and character dimensions with lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder in male alcohol-dependent inpatients

AIMS

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in male alcohol-dependent inpatients and to investigate the relationship of PTSD with alexithymia and temperament and character dimensions.

METHODS

Participants were 156 consecutively admitted male alcohol-dependent subjects. Patients were investigated using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI).

RESULTS

Among alcohol-dependent inpatients 32.1% were considered as having lifetime PTSD. Mean scores of alexithymia, novelty seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA) and self-transcendence (ST) were higher in the PTSD group, whereas age and self-directedness (S) were lower. Among age and other factors of TAS-20, 'difficulty in identifying feelings (DIF)' predicted PTSD in a logistic regression model. When age and personality dimensions of TCI were taken as independent variables, S predicted PTSD in the logistic regression model. Finally, among subscales of TCI, 'impulsiveness versus reflection' (NS2) and 'congruent second nature versus bad habits' (S5) predicted PTSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Alexithymia and personality traits, particularly high DIF and S scores are related with lifetime PTSD diagnosis, even when controlling for age among alcohol-dependent inpatients. Causal relationships between alexithymia, personality dimensions and PTSD, and their implications on treatment are not clear and should be evaluated in longitudinal studies.

The dopamine D Receptor (DRD4) gene exon III polymorphism, problematic alcohol use and novelty seeking: direct and mediated genetic effects

The present study sought to integrate convergent lines of research on the associations among the dopamine D(4) receptor (DRD4) gene, novelty seeking and drinking behaviors with the overall goal of elucidating genetic influences on problematic drinking in young adulthood. Specifically, this study tested a model in which novelty seeking mediated the relationship between DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) genotype and problematic alcohol use. Participants (n = 90, 40 females) were heavy-drinking college students. Analyses using a structural equation modeling framework suggested that the significant direct path between DRD4 VNTR genotype and problematic alcohol use was reduced to a trend level in the context of a model that included novelty seeking as a mediator, thereby suggesting that the effects of DRD4 VNTR genotype on problematic alcohol use among heavy-drinking young adults were partially mediated by novelty seeking. Cross-group comparisons indicated that the relationships among the model variables were not significantly different in models for men versus women. These results extend recent findings of the association between this polymorphism of the DRD4 receptor gene, problematic alcohol use and novelty seeking. These findings may also help elucidate the specific pathways of risk associated with genetic influences on alcohol use and abuse phenotypes.

Family, peer and individual factors related to methylenedioxymethamphetamine use in Taiwanese adolescents

Examination of the correlates of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use is crucial for the development and implementation of effective prevention programs for adolescents. The aim of the present study was therefore to identify the family, peer and individual factors that were related to MDMA use in Taiwanese adolescents. Two hundred adolescents who used MDMA and 200 who did not use MDMA were recruited into the study. The family, peer and individual factors related to MDMA use were examined using chi(2) automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analysis. The results indicated that the adolescents who had more friends involved with substance use, disruptive family and attitude favoring MDMA use were more likely to use MDMA. Multiple factors of family, peer and individuals were related to MDMA use among Taiwanese adolescents. This knowledge may be helpful when designing and implementing preventive intervention programs.

Temperament and character model of personality profile of alcohol- and drug-dependent inpatients

The aims of this study were to evaluate the differences in dimensions of temperament and character in Turkish alcohol- and drug-dependent inpatients, and to examine which dimensions would predict drug dependency. The subjects consisted of 111 alcohol-dependent and 93 drug-dependent inpatients according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition. Subjects were tested using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Among the temperament dimensions, novelty seeking score was higher and reward dependency score was lower in drug-dependent patients than in alcohol-dependent patients. Among the character dimensions, self-directedness and cooperativeness scores were lower in drug-dependent patients. Low age and novelty seeking predicted drug dependency in forward logistic regression model. Subscales that predicted drug dependency other than young age were lower scores on compassion vs revengefulness (C4) and helpfulness (C3), and higher score on spiritual acceptance vs rational materialism (ST3). As in previous studies, which indicate an association between personality and substance choice, in the present study, TCI was shown to be an efficient tool in discriminating alcohol and drug dependents; thus, it seems to be important to consider TCI dimensions in planning the treatment of substance dependency.

Novelty seeking involved in mediating the association between the dopamine D4 receptor gene exon III polymorphism and heavy drinking in male adolescents: results from a high-risk community sample

BACKGROUND

Previous research suggests that personality traits, particularly novelty seeking (NS), increase the risk of substance abuse. One possible explanation to account for this association relates to common genetic factors. The aim of this study was to examine whether allelic variants of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) are associated with alcohol use in adolescents and to determine the extent to which these links are mediated by NS.

METHODS

Three hundred three adolescents (144 male participants, 159 female participants, approximately 15 years old) from a high-risk community sample completed self-report questionnaires measuring alcohol intake and temperament (Junior Temperament and Character Inventory [JTCI]). DNA was genotyped for the DRD4 exon III polymorphism.

RESULTS

Male participants carrying the 7-repeat allele of DRD4 drank higher maximum amounts of alcohol per occasion and had greater lifetime rates of heavy drinking than male participants without this allele. Higher levels of NS were associated with higher alcohol intake in both genders. Multiple regression analyses support the role of NS in mediating the relationship between DRD4 and heavy drinking in male adolescents but not in female adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings extend previous work highlighting the significance of personality traits as a mediating factor between genetic susceptibility and substance use during the period of early experimental use.

Korrelate von Alkoholwirkungserwartungen im Jugendalter

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Positive Alkoholwirkungserwartungen stellen ein bedeutsames Risiko für problematischen Alkoholkonsum dar. Ziel dieser Studie war die Identifikation der Korrelate positiver Alkoholwirkungserwartungen (AE) im Jugendalter. Methode: 311 Jugendliche (Alter 12-18 Jahre) einer Allgemeinbevölkerungsstichprobe wurden bezüglich der Familiengeschichte einer Alkoholstörung (FHalk), Verhaltensproblemen, Zugehörigkeit zu einer substanzkonsumierenden Peergoup und Ausmaß an positiven AE untersucht. Ergebnisse: Kinder aus Familien mit Alkoholstörungen wiesen dann ausgeprägte positive AE (oberstes Terzil) auf, wenn sie zusätzlich ein hohes Ausmaß an Verhaltensproblemen hatten (Odds Ratio (OR): 6.5; 95% Konfidenzintervall (KI): 1.3-32.6). Jugendliche mit aggressiven und delinquenten Verhaltensproblemen zeigten positivere AE im Vergleich zu Jugendlichen ohne Verhaltensprobleme vor allem bezüglich Spannungsreduktion (OR: 2.0; KI: 1.1-3.6) und sozialer Kompetenz (OR: 2.3; KI: 1.3-4.3), während die Zugehörigkeit in einer substanzkonsumierenden Peergroup mit hohen Erwartungen an soziales Wohlbefinden (OR: 2.3; KI: 1.4-3.7) und Kompetenz (OR: 2.0; KI: 1.1-3.6) assoziiert war. Schlussfolgerungen: Präventions- und Interventionsprogramme zur Veränderung von Einstellungen zu Alkohol sollten speziell auf Jugendliche aus Hochrisikogruppen zugeschnitten werden, wobei sowohl individuelle Merkmale als auch Aspekte der familiären und nicht familiären Umwelt berücksichtigt werden müssen.

Influence of age at drinking onset on long-term ethanol self-administration with deprivation and stress phases

BACKGROUND

Onset of alcohol use during adolescence has potentially long-lasting consequences, e.g., prospective alcohol dependence. To obtain new insight into the effects of early chronic ethanol consumption, we compared the drinking behavior of two adult male Wistar rat groups: one that initiated alcohol consumption during adolescence (adolescent group) and the other that initiated their drinking during adulthood (adult group) in a model of long-term alcohol self-administration. We investigated the magnitude of the effects of deprivation and stress on alcohol intake and the influence of these events on the alcohol drinking behavior across time.

METHODS

Heterogeneous Wistar rats aged 31 days (adolescents) and 71 days (adults) were given ad libitum access to water, as well as 5% and 20% ethanol solutions during an observation period of 30 wk. A deprivation phase of 14 days was instituted after eight wk of access to alcohol. After 16 and 26 wk of alcohol access, all animals were subjected for three consecutive days to forced swimming and electric foot shocks, respectively.

RESULTS

At the onset of drinking, adolescent animals consumed less alcohol and showed lower preference than adults. The deprivation phase was followed by increased intake of highly concentrated ethanol solution without appreciable differences between age groups. Repeated swim stress produced a slight increase in ethanol consumption in both animal groups; however, alcohol intake was not significantly different between groups, whereas the foot shock stress-induced increase in alcohol intake was significantly higher in the animal group that initiated alcohol consumption during adolescence. After swim stress, the drinking behavior of the adolescent group resembled that of the adult group. In particular, the adolescent group increased their preference for 20% ethanol solution for the remainder of the experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

Age of voluntary alcohol drinking onset does not appear to be a strong predictor for prospective alcohol intake and relapse-like drinking behavior under the present experimental conditions. However, male Wistar rats that initiated alcohol consumption during adolescence seem to be more susceptible to acute stressor-specific effects in terms of alcohol consumption.

Association of the DRD4 exon III polymorphism with smoking in fifteen-year-olds: a mediating role for novelty seeking?

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to examine the role of DNA variants of the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) in smoking experimentation in adolescents and to determine the extent to which novelty seeking (NS) could account for a possible effect of DRD4 on tobacco use.

METHOD

Participants were from a longitudinal study of an original birth cohort (born 1986-1988) of 384 children from a high-risk community sample. At age 15 years, adolescents completed a self-report questionnaire measuring tobacco consumption and temperament (Junior Temperament and Character Inventory). DNA was taken from 303 participants (144 males, 159 females) and genotyped for the DRD4 exon III polymorphism.

RESULTS

DRD4 was associated with smoking status and NS in males but not in females. Males with the seven repeat allele exhibited more smoking involvement (p < .002) and scored higher in NS (p < .002) than males without this allele. In addition, elevated tobacco use was related to a higher level of NS in both males and females (p < .001). Multiple regression analyses revealed that NS mediated the relationship between DRD4 and smoking in males.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of considering the mechanisms underlying the association between genetic factors and tobacco use separately by gender and, possibly, by developmental period.

Alcohol expectancies in relation to personality and aggression among juvenile delinquents in Northern Russia

The relationships between alcohol expectancies, level of alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, aggression, and personality factors in 198 Russian male juvenile delinquents were assessed. A clustering procedure was used in order to establish main patterns of alcohol expectancies, yielding three major clusters. Level of alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, aggression, and personality factors were compared across the identified clusters. It was established that juvenile delinquents with a high level of positive alcohol expectancies and aggression represented a risk-group for higher involvement in drinking behavior as well as problem drinking, which in turn are related to specific personality traits. Implications of these findings for alcohol prevention among the youth are discussed.

Der Einfluss von Temperament, Alkoholwirksamkeitserwartungen und Bezugsgruppe auf Trinkmenge und Alkoholprobleme im Jugendalter 1Die Arbeit ist Teil des Community-Medicine-Forschungsverbundes (CMF) der Universität Greifswald. Er wird gefördert von dem Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (Förderkennzeichen ZZ9603), dem Kultusministerium und dem Sozialministerium des Landes Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Der CMF umfasst mehrere Projekte, die Daten aus einer Basisstudie, der Study of Health in Pomerania analysieren (SHIP; www.medizin.uni-greifswald.de/cm)

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, inwieweit Temperamentsmerkmale (Neugierverhalten, Schadensvermeidung und Belohnungsabhängigkeit), Alkoholwirksamkeitserwartungen und Devianz/Substanzgebrauch in der Peergroup einen Einfluss auf Alkoholprobleme und Trinkmenge im Jugendalter haben. Methode: 147 etwa 15-jährige Jugendliche wurden zu zwei Messzeitpunkten ausführlich befragt und erhielten darüber hinaus verschiedene Fragebögen. Ebenso wurden bei der ersten Erhebung die jeweiligen Elternteile interviewt. Ergebnisse: Jugendliche mit Alkoholproblemen zur Zeit der zweiten Befragung wiesen ein Jahr vorher im Vergleich zu Adoleszenten ohne Alkoholprobleme eine geringere Schadensvermeidung und Belohnungsabhängigkeit auf und waren häufiger Mitglied in einer devianten/substanzgebrauchenden Peergroup. Außerdem berichteten Jugendliche mit Alkoholproblemen signifikant mehr positive Alkoholwirksamkeitserwartungen. In Bezug auf die Trinkmenge konnten die Ergebnisse repliziert werden, wobei das Temperament aber kein bedeutsamer Prädiktor für die Trinkmenge pro Trinktag nach einem Jahr war. Schlussfolgerung: Alkoholwirksamkeitserwartungen und Devianz/Substanzgebrauch in der Peergroup zeigen bedeutsame Assoziationen sowohl mit der Trinkmenge pro Trinktag als auch der Entwicklung von Alkoholproblemen im Jugendalter und sollten deshalb Fokus von Präventions- und Interventionsmaßnahmen sein.