Character pathology and neuropsychological test performance in remitted opiate depend

[enquirewithin]

James M Prosser , Daniel Eisenberg , Emily E Davey , Matthew Steinfeld , Lisa J Cohen , Edythe D London and Igor I Galynker

Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy 2008, 3:23doi:10.1186/1747-597X-3-23


 

• 1Abstract (provisional)
  • 1.1Background
  • 1.2Methods
  • 1.3Results
  • 1.4Conclusions

[top]Abstract (provisional)

[top]Background

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.

[top]Methods

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.

[top]Results

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.

[top]Conclusions

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.