The comparative study of psychoticism and neuroticism prevalency among cannabis and non-cannabis abusers in Golestan Province, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Today, drug abuse is one of the most important medical and social problems of world population, which can be a threat to human’s health. Cannabis as a common substance can create psychotic symptom, psychiatric disorders and antisocial behaviors. This study was designed to compare the prevalency of psychoticism and neuroticism among cannabis and non-cannabis abusers in this region of the country. Materials and Methods: This case control study was done on100 cannabis users whom seek for drugs in public gardens of Golestan province as case group and 100 non-abusers who spend their leisure time in this place as control group. Two groups matched with regard to age and education level. The data gathered by using self-reported adult version of Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). The data was analyzed in the SPSS-13.5 software by Chi-square, t-test and Mann-Whitney. Results: The mean score of psychoticism and neuroticism in case and control group was 9.37 and 5.72 respectivley (P<0.05). The mean score of neuroticism in cases and controls was 15.9 and 12.19, respectivley (P<0.05). The relationship between psychoticism and patterns of cannabis consumption was significant (P<0.05). There was a relationship between cannabis consumption and the history of drug misabuse in other substances in cannabis users and in their families. Conclusion: The result of this study can clarify the importance of preventing intervention in substance abuse for improving mental health.

Keywords

• Cannabis
• Psychoticism
• Neuroticism