Background & Aims

The current study sought to further examine the role of impulsivity as a personality variable predisposing to prescription opioid misuse. Pain catastrophizing, as well as anxiety, depression and pain intensity, were postulated as potential serial mediators in this relationship.

Methods

The sample comprised 366 individuals with chronic pain. We conducted correlations and serial mediation analyses to examine the relationships between the study variables.

Results

Mediation analyses revealed that pain catastrophizing partially mediated the relationship between impulsivity and prescription opioid misuse. Depression and anxiety partially mediated serially the relationship between pain catastrophizing and prescription opioid misuse; pain intensity, however, did not mediate this relationship. Additionally, impulsivity was indirectly related to prescription opioid misuse through pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the critical role of impulsivity in prescription opioid misuse and contribute to understanding its mechanisms of action. According to these results, clinical interventions may target emotion-related impulsivity and cognitive control deficits to reduce rumination. Future research must contrast the relationships tested in this study using the specific dimensions of impulsivity.

References

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Baxley, C., Weinstock, J., Lustman, P. J., & Garner, A. A. (2019). The influence of anxiety sensitivity on opioid use disorder treatment outcomes. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 27(1), 64. https://psycnet.apa.org/journals/pha/27/1/64/

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Presenting Author

Victoria Barrado-Moreno

Poster Authors

Victoria Barrado-Moreno

MSc

University of Malaga

Lead Author

Carmen Ramírez-Maestre

PhD

Universidad de Málaga, IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain

Lead Author

Elena R. Serrano-Ibáñez

Universidad de Málaga

Lead Author

Julia Molina

MD

Centro de Salud Cruz de Humilladero, Málaga, Spain

Lead Author

Ana B. Domínguez-Márquez

MD

Centro de Salud Cruz de Humilladero, Málaga, Spain

Lead Author

Paloma de la Vega

MD

Centro de Salud Ronda Sur-Santa Barbara. Ronda (Málaga), Spain

Lead Author

Alicia Eva López-Martínez

Universidad de Málaga, IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND, Malaga, Spain

Lead Author

Rosa Esteve. PhD

University of Málaga

Lead Author

Topics

  • Other