Initial Validation of a Behavioral Phenotyping Model for Substance Use Disorder

Standard nosological systems, such as DSM-5 or ICD-10, are relied upon as the diagnostic basis when developing treatments for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Unfortunately, the vast heterogeneity of individuals within a given SUD diagnosis results in a variable treatment response and/or difficulties ascertaining the efficacy signal in clinical trials of drug development. Emerging precision medicine methods focusing on targeted treatments based on phenotypic subtypes rather than diagnosis are being explored as alternatives. The goal of the present study was to provide initial validation of emergent subtypes identified by an addiction-focused phenotyping battery. Secondary data collected as part of a feasibility study of the NIDA phenotyping battery were utilized. Participants completed self-report measures and behavioral tasks across six neurofunctional domains. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA/CFA) were conducted. A three-factor model consisting of negative emotionality, attention/concentration, and interoception and mindfulness, as well as a four-factor model adding a second negative emotion domain, emerged from the EFA as candidate models. The CFA of these models did not result in a good fit, possibly resulting from small sample sizes that hindered statistical power.