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

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.

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.

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.

The result of this study can clarify the importance of preventing intervention in substance abuse for improving mental health.