Aug. 31, 2012 Previous research has shown that personality
traits such as impulsivity or compulsiveness are indicators of
an increased risk of addiction. Now, new research from the
University of Cambridge suggests that these impulsive and
compulsive personality traits are also associated with a
traumatic upbringing during childhood. The study was published
August 31, in the journal American Journal Psychiatry. Led by Dr
Karen Ersche, the Cambridge researchers aimed to identify risk
factors that make a person vulnerable to developing drug
dependence. They examined 50 adults with cocaine dependence
together with their biological brothers and sisters who have
never abused drugs. All participants underwent extensive
assessments of their personalities, including their ways of
feeling and thinking. The researchers were also interested in
negative experiences that participants may have had during
childhood (to include physical, emotional or sexual abuse). Dr
Ersche, of the Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Insti