Character pathology and neuropsychological test performance in remitted opiate dependence

• Main Authors: Steinfeld Matthew (Author), Cohen Lisa J (Author), Davey Emily E (Author), Eisenberg Daniel (Author), Prosser James M (Author), London Edythe D (Author), Galynker Igor I (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2008-11-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/1747-597X-3-23; 1747-597X
• Keywords: Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology; HV1-9960
• Source: Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, Vol 3, Iss 1, p 23 (2008)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cognitive deficits and personality pathology are prevalent in opiate dependence, even during periods of remission, and likely contribute to relapse. Understanding the relationship between the two in vulnerable, opiate-addicted patients may contribute to the design of better treatment and relapse prevention strategies.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The Millon Multiaxial Clinical Inventory (MCMI) and a series of neuropsychological tests were administered to three subject groups: 29 subjects receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MM), 27 subjects in protracted abstinence from methadone maintenance treatment (PA), and 29 healthy non-dependent comparison subjects. Relationships between MCMI scores, neuropsychological test results, and measures of substance use and treatment were examined using bivariate correlation and regression analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>MCMI scores were greater in subjects with a history of opiate dependence than in comparison subjects. A significant negative correlation between MCMI scores and neuropsychological test performance was identified in all subjects. MCMI scores were stronger predictors of neuropsychological test performance than measures of drug use.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Formerly methadone-treated opiate dependent individuals in protracted opiate abstinence demonstrate a strong relationship between personality pathology and cognitive deficits. The cause of these deficits is unclear and most likely multi-factorial. This finding may be important in understanding and interpreting neuropsychological testing deficiencies in opiate-dependent subjects.</p>