Analysis of Relationships between DAT1 Polymorphism Variants, Personality Dimensions, and Anxiety in New Psychoactive Substance (Designer Drug) (NPS) Users

Abstract

The use of ‘new psychoactive substances’ appears to be increasingly common. The aim of this study was to examine biological and personality determinants in individuals who choose to use these substances, which may help in the prevention and treatment of psychoactive substance use disorders. The study group consisted of 374 male volunteers; all were users of ‘new psychoactive substances’ (NPS). The NPS users were recruited after they had abstained—for at least 3 months—from any substance of abuse in addiction treatment facilities. The NPS patients and the control subjects were examined by a psychiatrist using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales. The real-time PCR method was used for genotyping. When we compared the controls with the study group, statistically significant interactions were found between DAT1 polymorphism, neuroticism, and NPS use. NPS use and DAT1 polymorphism were associated with a higher level of neuroticism on the NEO-FFI scale. The study group of NPS users showed a higher severity of anxiety symptoms, both in terms of trait and state, compared to the control group. The results may support the idea that neuroticism and anxiety correlate strongly with coping motives for using NPS.

Association of Polymorphism within the Putative miRNA Target Site in the 3′UTR Region of the DRD2 Gene with Neuroticism in Patients with Substance Use Disorder

“…It may be supposed that patients with serious psychiatric comorbidities are more susceptible to the occurrence of psychical disease as psychosis or mania to stimulant-mediated factors in the course of probable underlying neurotransmitter dysregulation. However, in numerous cases of stimulant-induced psychoses reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration, no preexisting psychiatric disturbances or substance addiction history were recognized [ 17 , 23 , 24 , 144 , 145 , 146 ].…”

Cellular and neuronal mechanisms that underlie addiction - literature review

“…Genome wide association studies have shown promise in identifying causal genes in many diseases including breast cancer, obesity, diabetes or Crohn's disease [25][26][27][28]. Genome wide association studies help reveal genetic variation that explains individual differences within complex phenotypes, including addiction [29].…”

Allelic Variants on SLC6A3 Neurotransmitter Gene and Their Relationship with Personality Traits Scales in Egyptian Athletes

“…The natural genetic variants in the human genome displayed an effective implication in the individual behavior that could contribute to the level of athletic performance and related physical activity. The importance of personality traits evaluation and their interactions with athletes' performance and expecting behavior were emphasized [2][3][4]. Twin and adoption studies have revealed that the heritability influences on human personality are ranged from 30 to 60%.…”