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Published on: July 4, 2013
Flunitrazepam intake in male offenders.
Anna M Dåderman1, Gunnar Edman, Ann Wirsén Meurling
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Social and Forensic Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
|October 5, 2010
Summary
Flunitrazepam (FZ) use is linked to antisocial behavior in male offenders, specifically Facet 4 of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). This finding has clinical implications for assessing and treating individuals with substance use disorders and antisocial traits.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Flunitrazepam (FZ) abuse is a global issue linked to violence and aggression.
- Benzodiazepines, including FZ, may increase aggression in vulnerable males.
- Chronic high-dose FZ intake elevates aggression in male rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between psychopathy (and its facets) and substance use disorders, focusing on FZ.
- To examine the association between individual Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) items and FZ use.
Main Methods:
- Study included 114 male offenders (aged 14-35) convicted of severe offenses.
- Psychopathy and its four facets (Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle, Antisocial) were assessed using the PCL-R.
- Substance use, including FZ, was evaluated in relation to psychopathy scores.
Main Results:
- Substance use, including FZ, was not more prevalent in individuals with high overall psychopathy scores.
- FZ use was significantly more common in offenders scoring high on Facet 4 (Antisocial) of the PCL-R (OR = 4.30).
- Criminal versatility was the only PCL-R item significantly associated with FZ use (OR = 3.7).
Conclusions:
- Flunitrazepam (FZ) intake shows a specific relationship with the Antisocial facet (Facet 4) of psychopathy, not psychopathy per se.
- Antisocial behavior, characterized by poor behavioral control and criminal versatility, is more typical in FZ users.
- Clinicians should consider the heightened risk of FZ use in offenders with high Facet 4 scores for improved assessment and treatment.
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