The role of personality pathology in the aetiology and treatment of substance use disorders

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Abstract
The concept of personality in addiction research has traditionally been subject to controversies about its measurement and role in aetiology and treatment. Early studies (1950-1980) typically sought but failed to identify a single pre-addictive personality, suggesting either clinical heterogeneity or the unimportance of personality as an aetiological factor. This review summarizes recent evidence for the notion that distinct personality traits do play an important role in several pathways to addictive behaviours. Furthermore, it will be argued that recent studies strongly indicate the clinical relevance of the routine assessment of (maladaptive) personality traits in individuals admitted for substance abuse treatment.