Exploring Personality and Readiness to Change in Patients With Substance Use Disorders With and Without ADHD

• Published in: Journal of attention disorders 2020-07, Vol.24 (9), p.1255-1265
• Main Authors: Flores-García, L., Ytterstad, E., Lensing, M. B., Eisemann, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ADHD; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; change readiness; Character; Humans; Male; personality; Personality Disorders; Psychology: 260; Psykologi: 260; Samfunnsvitenskap: 200; Social science: 200; substance use disorders; Substance-Related Disorders - complications; Substance-Related Disorders - epidemiology; Temperament; VDP
• ISSN: 1087-0547; 1557-1246; 1557-1246
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054716677819

Objective: To explore personality and readiness to change among substance use disorders (SUD) patients with and without ADHD. Method: SUD + ADHD versus SUD − ADHD patients consecutively entering treatment between 2010 and 2012 were compared concerning personality (Temperament and Character Inventory) and readiness to change (Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale). Results: Among 103 SUD patients (76 men, age M = 43.3, SD = 11.1), 16 (15.5%) were diagnosed with ADHD. SUD + ADHD patients reported significantly elevated eagerness to effort (p = .008) compared with SUD − ADHD patients, who reported significantly elevated fear of uncertainty (p < .000). SUD + ADHD patients reported higher ambition (p = .025), self-forgetfulness (p = .029), and lower recognition (p = .022). They were younger (p = .019) and showed more often amphetamine addiction (p = .022) compared with SUD − ADHD patients. Conclusion: The distinct characteristics found in SUD + ADHD and SUD − ADHD patients underline the need for differentiated treatment interventions.