title: Delayed Ego Strength Development in Opioid Dependent Adolescents and Young Adults.
abstract: Objective. To evaluate ego strengths, in the context of Erikson's framework, among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with opioid dependence as compared to non-drug using youth. Methods. Opioid dependent (n = 51) and non-drug using control (n = 31) youth completed the self-administered Psychosocial Inventory of Ego Strengths (PIES). The PIES assesses development in the framework of Erikson's ego strength stages. Multivariate linear regression modeling assessed the independent association of the primary covariate (opioid dependent versus control) as well as potential confounding variables (e.g., psychiatric comorbidities, intelligence) with total PIES score. Results. Mean total PIES score was significantly lower in opioid dependent youth (231.65 ± 30.39 opioid dependent versus 270.67 ± 30.06 control; p < 0.01). Evaluation of the PIES subscores found significant (p < 0.05) delays in all ego strength areas (hope, will, purpose, competence, fidelity, love, care, and wisdom). When adjusting for potential confounders, opioid dependence remained a significant (p < 0.001) independent predictor of total PIES score. Conclusion. Adolescents with opioid dependence demonstrated significant delays in ego strength development. A treatment approach acknowledging this delay may be needed in the counseling and treatment of adolescents with opioid dependence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Abramoff
authors.affiliation: The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
authors.forename: Hannah L H
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Lange
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA ; Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Matson
authors.affiliation: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
authors.forename: Casey B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Cottrill
authors.affiliation: The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA ; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bridge
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Mahmoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abdel-Rasoul
authors.affiliation: The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA ; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA ; Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
authors.forename: Andrea E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Bonny