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Personality dimensions of opiate addicts
M Vukov1, N Baba-Milkic, D Lecic
1Institute for Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Opiate addicts in a Belgrade detoxification program showed significantly higher novelty-seeking and distinct harm avoidance and reward dependence traits compared to students. These personality dimensions may contribute to addiction and co-occurring disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Substance use disorders, particularly opiate addiction, are complex conditions with significant public health implications.
- Understanding the underlying personality traits associated with addiction is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
- Previous research suggests a link between personality dimensions and addictive behaviors, but specific patterns in opiate addiction require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the personality dimensions of opiate addicts undergoing detoxification.
- To compare the personality profiles of opiate addicts with a healthy control group.
- To explore the potential etiological role of personality traits in the development of opiate addiction and associated disorders.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 80 opiate addicts in a Belgrade detoxification program.
- Participants underwent dependence diagnosis and assessment for mental disorders using DSM-III-R criteria.
- The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) was administered to measure novelty-seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA), and reward dependence (RD).
- Results were compared to a control group of Yugoslav undergraduate students.
Main Results:
- Opiate addicts exhibited significantly higher scores on the novelty-seeking (NS) dimension compared to the control group.
- Significant differences were observed in harm avoidance (HA) and reward dependence (RD) subscales among opiate addicts.
- A high prevalence of personality disorders, particularly within cluster B, was identified in the surveyed opiate addicts.
- Temperament traits such as impulsiveness, shyness, fear of uncertainty, and dependence were characteristic of opiate addicts.
Conclusions:
- Specific personality dimensions (NS, HA, RD) and associated temperament traits may be etiological factors in the development of personality disorders and affective disorders in opiate addicts.
- These personality characteristics could also influence drug choice in individuals with opiate addiction.
- The findings highlight the importance of assessing personality in the comprehensive treatment of opiate addiction.