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Extraversion in pathological gamblers. Correlates with indexes of noradrenergic function.
1Division of Intramural Clinical Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda Md 20892.
Archives of General Psychiatry
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Pathological gamblers show altered central nervous system noradrenergic functioning. Their personality traits, particularly extraversion, correlate with specific biochemical markers of this neurotransmitter system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pathological gambling is a complex disorder.
- Potential neurobiological underpinnings, including the noradrenergic system, are being investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between personality traits and noradrenergic functioning in pathological gamblers.
- To determine if personality scores correlate with specific biochemical markers of noradrenergic activity.
Main Methods:
- Administered the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire to pathological gamblers.
- Measured cerebrospinal fluid and plasma levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG).
- Assessed urinary outputs of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and the sum of norepinephrine and its metabolites.
Main Results:
- Found significant correlations between extraversion scores and MHPG levels (CSF and plasma).
- Observed significant correlations between extraversion and VMA urinary output.
- Demonstrated significant correlations between extraversion and the sum of urinary norepinephrine and its metabolites.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a link between central noradrenergic system disturbances and personality traits in pathological gamblers.
- Extraversion may be a personality marker associated with altered noradrenergic functioning in this population.