Direct and indirect symptom severity indicators of alcohol dependence and the personality concept of the biosocial model

Subst Use Misuse. 2014 Mar;49(4):418-26. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2013.841250. Epub 2013 Oct 4.

Abstract

Temperament and character factors are strongly related to the developmental, clinical, and treatment aspects of alcohol dependence. This study had the aim of revealing the underlying personality structure and individual differences in the symptoms of alcohol dependence measured by multiple severity indicators. Patients with alcohol dependence exhibited higher levels of novelty seeking and harm avoidance, and lower levels of persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness. Especially novelty seeking was connected with more severe alcohol dependence. These characteristics could be useful targets of interventions and Temperament and Character Inventory is therefore a useful measurement to identify patients with more severe alcohol-related problems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / classification
  • Alcoholism / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Personality Assessment*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires