Tridimensional personality questionnaire scores of sons of alcoholic and nonalcoholic fathers

Article Abstract:

Previous studies have investigated different subtypes of alcoholism. A hypothesis has been set forth that there are two extreme subtypes, which have been categorized by personality profiles and clinical characteristics. Type one consists of alcoholics who are more sensitive to environmental factors, rather than the expression of a genetic influence; the onset is usually after the age of 25, and the symptoms are relatively mild. Type two alcoholics have a severe and early onset, with violent behavior related to alcohol; this type is thought to be more heavily influenced by genetic factors. In an effort to find further evidence for the existence of these two subtypes, 66 men were evaluated for three major personality characteristics using the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire. The subjects consisted of 33 men who had alcoholic fathers and 33 control men whose fathers were not alcoholic; the latter group also had no family history of alcoholism. All subjects were evaluated and were not believed to have an existing substance abuse problem or a history of any serious medical or psychiatric disorder. The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire was completed by all the subjects and family histories were taken. When the data were analyzed, no significant associations were evident between the subjects' use of alcohol or their family history of alcoholism and the questionnaire scores. Only one correlation was found between the sons' questionnaire scores and the type two characteristics of the fathers. It was concluded that the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire is not clinically relevant for identifying unique characteristics related to family histories, drinking histories, or parental alcoholism. Distinct patterns which differentiate the two subtypes did not emerge. It was also hypothesized by the authors that the type two alcoholic has an antisocial personality disorder which is separate from his alcoholism. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Surveys, Genetic aspects, Identification and classification, Children of alcoholics

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Suicidality, depression, and substance abuse in adolescence

Article Abstract:

The suicide rate among adolescents aged 15 to 19 rose from 5.2 to 9.0 per 100,000 between 1970 and 1984. Based on these statistics, experts believe there is an urgent need to identify high-risk adolescents. Two known risk factors for adolescent suicide are substance abuse and major depression. Suicidal ideation (thoughts) has been established as a risk factor for adults but its role in adolescents is not known. The way these three risk factors interact has not been investigated. Difficulties in separating these predictors result from the frequent coexistence of major depression and substance abuse and the tendency for research subjects to have several different disorders. A group of 424 college students participated in a study where the vast majority were 18 or 19 years old and white. Results showed that substance abuse and major depression were independent and interacting risk factors for suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide. Risk was especially high for men who abused alcohol or drugs. A suicide attempt was more likely if a person expressed a long-term desire to be dead than if the individual had a thought of suicide. In conclusion, older teenagers who have suicidal ideation with major depression and/or substance abuse should receive intensive treatment as they are at significant risk for suicide.

Research, Risk factors, Suicide, Youth, College students, Depression in children, Childhood depression, Drugs and youth, Juvenile drug abuse

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Behavioral hyporeactivity to physostigmine in detoxified primary alcoholics

Article Abstract:

Physostigmine prevents the enzyme cholinesterase from destroying acetylcholine, a substance in the nerve endings that plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses. activity. Non-intoxicated alcoholics do not respond well to physostigmine. Lack of energy and inhibitions, and mood and pulse rate changes induced by intravenous physostigmine were significantly less pronounced in 26 alcoholic patients than in 36 normal subjects. These results suggest possible abnormalities in central cholinergic functioning (i.e. the process of nerve impulse transmission) in alcoholics. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Alcohol, Ethanol, Parasympatholytic agents, Parasympatholytics

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