Personality and substance use disorder: Characteristics as measured by NEO-personality inventory-revised

The present study investigates the personality characteristics of a cohort of patients with Substance Use Disorders. The included participants (n = 123) were recruited from specialized treatment for addictions in Norway. The personality scores in the current sample were compared to the Norwegian norm sample with t-tests. Age and gender differences in personality scores were assessed by bivariate correlation analyses and t-tests, respectively. The sample had higher scores on Neuroticism and lower scores on Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Openness compared to the norm sample (p < 0.01). The effect sizes of the differences between the current sample and the Norwegian norm sample were large for Neuroticism and Conscientiousness. Older participants scored higher on Agreeableness and its facets A1: Trust and A2: Straightforwardness and lower on the facet E5: Excitement-Seeking (p < 0.01). No significant (p < 0.01) gender differences in NEO-PI-R scores were found. In conclusion, the current results support previous findings regarding personality traits associated with SUD. The clinical relevance of the findings is discussed.

Automated summary

This study investigates the personality characteristics of patients with Substance Use Disorders and finds that they score higher on Neuroticism and lower on Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Openness. Older participants score higher on Agreeableness and lower on Excitement-Seeking. No significant gender differences were found. These findings are important for understanding the personality traits of these patients.