Psychopathic traits and lifestyle in flunitrazepam abusers

• The abuse of flunitrazepam (FZ) compounds is world-wide. We have examined whether any of the four facets of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) (Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle, and Antisocial) (Hare, 2003) is related to different substance use disorders, with the focus on FZ abuse. Participants were 114 male offenders aged 14-35 years, all of whom were convicted for severe, predominantly violent, offences. Abuse of FZ was more common in offenders who scored high in Facet 4 (Antisocial) of the PCL-R (odds ratio = 4.30, 95% C.I. 1.86 - 9.94). Using all 20 PCL‑R items as individual predictors of being an FZ abuser, only one of the items, Item 20) (Criminal versatility) was significantly associated with FZ abuse (odds ratio = 3.72, 95% C.I. 1.85 - 7.50). We suggest that abuse of FZ is more common in offenders who score high in Facet 4, and that FZ abuse is significantly associated with Item 20. Our results show that clinicians and those who develop or manage therapeutic programs should be aware of FZ abuse when choosing the most effective treatment for young mentally disordered severe offenders.

Nyckelord

Flunitrazepam abuse

psychopathy (PCL-R

PCL-YV)

the 4-facet model

male offenders

Psychology

Psykologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)