Characterizing impulsivity in individuals with methamphetamine and methcathinone use disorders.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Substance use disorder (SUD) is linked to impaired impulse control.
• Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) and methcathinone use disorder (MCUD) are associated with high impulsivity.
• The specific differences in impulsivity between MUD and MCUD remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare impulsivity traits and behaviors in individuals with MUD and MCUD.
• To explore potential differences in impulsivity using network analysis and computational modeling.
• To differentiate between impulsive traits and behaviors in stimulant use disorders.

Main Methods:

• Assessed impulsivity using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), and delay discounting task (DDT).
• Compared individuals with MUD, MCUD, and healthy controls (HCs).
• Employed network-based analysis and computational modeling.

Main Results:

• MUD subjects showed higher scores on motor impulsivity, nonplanning impulsivity, and total BIS scores compared to MCUD subjects.
• Network analysis revealed no significant differences in centrality indices between MUD and MCUD groups.
• Both MUD and MCUD subjects exhibited significantly higher discount rates than HCs, with no difference between the addiction groups.

Conclusions:

• Methamphetamine use disorder and methcathinone use disorder participants differ in specific impulsivity traits.
• Impulsive behaviors, as measured by delay discounting, were similar between MUD and MCUD groups.
• Impulsive traits and behaviors represent distinct dimensions of impulsivity in SUD.