Disinhibition and negative affectivity in substance abusers with and without a gambling problem.
A cohort of 2,171 substance abusers were assessed for their gambling behavior, and divided into three groups: those with no significant gambling problem (87%); those with a probable problem (7.2%); and those with a severe problem (5.8%). Substance abusers with a gambling problem scored significantly higher on measures of: impulsivity; disinhibition of aggressive/hostile responses; and negative affectivity. They also abused more substances than the nongamblers. The results underscore the importance of assessing a wide range of impulsive behaviors in substance abusers and the potential for subtyping substance abusers based on psychological traits.
McCormick
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RA
Cleveland VA Medical Center, Brecksville, OH 44141.
D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology