Page 27 - JCBP-2-4

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Genetic factors and personality disorders

(P < 0.01). The strongest effect size among the variables of immature character traits and personality disorders
investigated was observed in the association between heightens the vulnerability to substance abuse. Novelty
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hallucinogen use and a specific SNP (rs1875999). seeking is influenced by certain genetic factors and is
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Genetic factors were not found to be linked with other related to certain personality characteristics. Hence,
investigated personality disorders (paranoid personality novelty seeking represents a significant influencing factor.
disorder, depressive personality disorder, and schizotypal Based on the self-medication hypothesis, the preferences
personality disorder). Moreover, our analysis did not for specific substances are impacted by attachment.
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reveal any significant associations between alcohol use and Therefore, family environment may be one of the major
the SNPs under investigation. confounding factors, along with cultural factors related
to family environment. Stimulants like heroin may give
Our findings provide an explanation for the relationship
between heroin use and personality changes observed the addicted individuals, particularly teenagers, a sense of
in certain individuals. Genetic factors (e.g., COMT) are liberating themselves from parental control. Moreover, in
likely to play a role in explaining this relationship. Our our study, it is important to consider that Chinese culture
study uncovered a significant association of certain SNPs showcases nuances compared to other cultures.
of COMT and those related to stress with the presence A significant portion of patients dependent on heroin
of antisocial personality disorder and hallucinogen use. reported experiencing inadequate sleep quality, while a
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The majority of the pertinent factors were found to be lack of sleep may be related to personality parameters.
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associated with COMT. Variations in the COMT gene have Furthermore, sufficient sleep plays a critical role in
been associated with differences in cognitive functions, promoting optimal emotional functioning. Therefore,
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emotional processing, and stress response. Hence, it sleep quality is also one of the potential confounding
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could be associated with specific personality disorders. factors in this study. In our study, it is important to note
Based on the literature on heroin dependence, numerous that sleep quality was not recorded, and this omission may
factors such as epigenetics, genetics, environmental, represent a potential confounding factor in the study.
treatment-related factors (e.g., duration of drug use), Taken together, the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders,
culture, and age are potential confounding variables. including heroin dependence, can vary due to the diverse
approaches taken by different clinicians. Various variables
4.1. Confounding factors related to heroin analyzed in studies on heroin dependence can introduce
dependence and personality disorders confusion or distortion, including age, sleep, duration of
The diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, such as heroin drug use, environmental factors, novelty seeking, genetic
dependence, can be subject to variations as different clinicians factors, epigenetic factors, cultural, and psychological
may approach the diagnosis in diverse ways. In heroin factors.
dependence studies, a diverse range of variables, such as age,
epigenetic factors and psychological factors, that can introduce 4.2. Heroin and hallucinogen
confusion or distortion were encountered. For instance, There is limited literature available that explores the
heroin dependence could be linked to particular personality comorbidity between heroin use and hallucinogen use.
disorders, whereas the etiology of schizoid personality Hallucinogen use has been associated with the development
disorder is associated with a combination of intrapsychic, of psychotic symptoms. The use of hallucinogens has
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cultural, and ethnic factors. The rate of heroin use among the potential to elicit positive symptoms similar to those
women is growing at a faster pace compared to men (Marsh, observed in schizophrenia. A strong dependence on
Park, Lin, and Bersamira, 2018). Moreover, a previous study psychostimulants is linked to an increased risk of psychosis,
reports how these two facets of impulsiveness could be whereas severe dependence on heroin exhibits a contrasting
associated with different aspects of heroin dependence. 27 negative association with psychosis. 35
The prevalence of antisocial personality disorder Moreover, genetics plays a crucial role in both personality
decreases with age. Therefore, age is also one of the disorders and individual responses to hallucinogen use.
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major confounding factors in this study. Moreover, the Studies investigating the utilization of hallucinogens
concurrent use of multiple substances, including alcohol have uncovered both potential advantages and potential
and hallucinogens, represents a significant confounding drawbacks linked to their use. The immediate effects of
factor in this context. hallucinogen use can have a significant impact, causing
The inclination for novelty seeking poses a risk disorientation, cognitive difficulties, and potentially inducing
factor for developing drug addiction, and the presence changes in perception. 36

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 5 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.3890