Numerous studies have extensively explored the direct associations between Borderline, Personality Traits (BPT) and suicidal ideation (SI), but there has been limited focus on the moderating...Show moreNumerous studies have extensively explored the direct associations between Borderline, Personality Traits (BPT) and suicidal ideation (SI), but there has been limited focus on the moderating factors and interactions that could potentially influence this association. This study investigates this gap in literature by examining the moderating effects of Substance Use (SU) and Social Isolation on the relationship between BPT and SI. The primary objective was to investigate whether increased SU and Social Isolation could strengthen the relationship between BPT and elevated levels of SI. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted, collecting data over one month through a standardized questionnaire measuring BPT. At the same time, we examined other demographic and clinical variables, including SI, SU, and social isolation as variables that are included in the ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to assess the relationships between these variables, with moderation analysis conducted using the PROCESS macro. Contrary to our beliefs and expectations, this research did not find significant results in the direct relationship between BPT and SI, nor did it detect any moderating effects of substance use or social isolation on this relationship. Despite the outcome, the study provided a unique approach by being among the few studies to utilize the innovative tool of EMA on this specific topic, encouraging and inspiring researchers to continue and enhance research on the foundation of real time measurements and studies.Show less
Background and aims: Psychotic disorders (PD) are often accompanied by substance (ab)use. Recent studies demonstrated a connection between these conditions through a common neurocognitive...Show moreBackground and aims: Psychotic disorders (PD) are often accompanied by substance (ab)use. Recent studies demonstrated a connection between these conditions through a common neurocognitive dysfunction. This common dysfunction concerns the executive functions (EF). Through this way it affects both cognitive control and mechanisms of motivation/reward. An EF dysfunction is a core feature of both PD and substance (ab)use. Moreover, it is found to be present prior to the onset of both conditions. It is suggested that this common EF dysfunction highlights a vulnerability for comorbidity. Hence, this study investigated whether a common neurocognitive dysfunction is associated to the co-morbidity of substance (ab)use and PD. Investigating EF in co-morbidity is especially relevant for theories of aetiology, prevention and treatment. First, we examined whether poor EF predicts an increase in substance use in PD patients. Second, we examined whether poor EF, combined with substance use, predicts an increase in substance dependency. Methods: This crosssectional study included 90 patients diagnosed with PD (18-65 years). Data were obtained through self-report questionnaires that measured EF, substance use and -dependency. Three multiple linear regression analyses were calculated to evaluate whether EF scores predicted substance use; three moderated binary logistic regression analyses were calculated to evaluate whether EF scores, moderated by substance use, predicted substance dependency. Findings: Results showed that Initiative deficits predicted substance use (p=.01). Deficits of Emotional regulation (p=.04) and Working memory (p=.03), moderated by substance use, predicted a decrease of dependency. Conclusions: Our results partially confirmed that poor EF predicted substance use and -dependency in PD. It did not lend sufficient support for the idea that the co-morbidity of substance (ab)use and PD is associated with a common EF dysfunction. Nevertheless, results demonstrated a relation between EF and substance (ab)use, namely that PD patients use substances as a means of self-medication in order to cope with an EF dysfunction. It can be concluded that this self-medicative behaviour promotes the development of co-morbid substance (ab)use in PD. This study offers new insights into the selfmedication hypothesis. It demonstrated that, besides psychotic symptoms, an EF dysfunction induces self-medicative substance use in PD. Clinical implications may concern prevention techniques and treatment methods.Show less
