Psychological Trait in Boys Could Be Indicator of Drug Abuse Risks

A psychological trait known as neurobehavioral disinhibition found in boys aged 10 to 12 could be a screening tool for those who will develop substance abuse disorders by age 19 as well as predict criminal activity, violent behavior and injuries. Neurobehavioral disinhibition symptoms include a decrease in behavior control, modulation of emotion and higher-level thought.

The study examined 278 boys when they were between 10 and 12 years old and again evaluated when they were 16 and 19 years old.

For those boys who had the neurobehavioral disinhibition trait at age 10 or 12, were significantly more likely to have substance abuse problems by age 19. The trait was also a strong predictor of a a history of arrests, violent behavior, and concussive injury.

A Screening Tool

The authors of the study, which was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said their research found that the neurobehavioral disinhibition trait has "potential value as a screening tool... for detection of high-risk youths."

The study, "Assessment of risk for substance use disorder consequent to consumption of illegal drugs: psychometric validation of the neurobehavior disinhibition trait" was published in the December 2007 issue of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors.

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• Is My Child Using Drugs or Alcohol?

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