Correlates and predictors of impulsivity in adults with methamphetamine use disorder

ABSTRACT

Impulsivity is known to increase the likelihood of using stimulant drugs which in turn may increase impulsivity, leading to potentially hazardous use. However, little research has been conducted on impulsivity in methamphetamine (MA) users. In this case-control cross-sectional study, 54 adults with MA use disorder (MUD) were compared to 52 matched healthy control (HC) participants using the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P). Demographic and clinical correlates and predictors of impulsivity in MUD participants were also investigated. Our findings indicate that the MUD cohort had significantly increased impulsivity (p < 0.01) compared to the HCs. In the MUD cohort, the UPPS-P total score was also positively correlated with the number of comorbid mental disorders (r = 0.29, p = 0.04), and degree of family impairment (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the level of family impairment associated with MUD was significantly associated with impulsivity, explaining 16% of the variance (R² = .16, F(2,51) = 4.88, p = .01). Understanding the clinical correlates and predictors of impulsivity in MUD may inform prevention, early identification, and intervention.

KEYWORDS:

• Methamphetamine
• impulsivity
• South Africa

Declaration

This research was undertaken with the generous support of the Skye Foundation and National Research Fund. This material has not been published elsewhere, and the paper is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere. All authors have been personally and substantially involved in the work leading to the paper and will hold themselves jointly and individually responsible for its content. The authors declare no conflicts of interest, that relevant ethical safeguards have been met in relation to the confidentiality and consent of the participants involved in the research, and that this work has not been plagiarized.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Skye Foundation [N/A];National Research Foundation [CFRR 150622119950].