Personality dimensions and substance use in individuals with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the role of the personality dimensions anxiety sensitivity, negative thinking, impulsivity and sensation seeking (as assessed by the revised version of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale; SURPS) in substance use in individuals with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID).

METHOD: We tested the relationship between level of ID and SURPS personality dimensions and the relationship between SURPS personality dimensions and severity of alcohol and drug use. Participants were 118 persons (mean age 20.5 years) with a mean IQ of 71.1 admitted to care facilities for persons with MBID and severe behavioral problems.

RESULTS: We found no significant relationship between level of ID and the four personality dimensions. In addition, findings showed that individuals with lower levels of anxiety sensitivity, higher levels of negative thinking, impulsivity and sensation seeking showed more severe alcohol use. Individuals with higher levels of negative thinking and sensation seeking had more severe drug use.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The SURPS personality dimensions identify persons at increased risk for substance use disorders and might be useful in developing selective substance use interventions for individuals with MBID.