Which temperamental characteristics are associated with substance use in subjects with psychotic and mood disorders?

The aim of this study was to assess the associations between substance use disorders and temperamental characteristics in subjects with non-affective psychotic disorders or mood disorders. Consecutively hospitalized patients were interviewed with a structured diagnostic interview to define DSM-IV diagnoses, including those of substance use. Temperamental characteristics were measured using the Sensation-Seeking Scale (SSS), the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) and the Physical Anhedonia Scale. Inpatients (n=103) with non-affective psychotic disorders (n=45) or mood disorders (n=58) were included. Among these patients, 25.2% presented with a lifetime (LT) history of alcohol abuse/dependence and 23.3% presented with a LT history of cannabis abuse/dependence. A LT history of alcohol misuse was independently associated with higher scores at the 'experience seeking' and 'disinhibition' subscales of the SSS. A LT history of cannabis misuse was independently associated with higher scores on the 'disinhibition' subscale of the SSS and on the 'non-planning activity' subscale of the BIS. These results suggest that sensation-seeking and impulsivity are temperamental characteristics that may favor substance use in patients with psychotic or mood disorders, independently from categorical diagnoses.