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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2007, 09, 3 (pages: 21 - 30)

Clinical Features of Heroin Dependence Onset in Young Women

Blagov L. N.

Summary: Important clinical mechanisms leading to opiate (heroin) addiction in young female patients have been investigated using a clinical-psychopathological method. The aim of this study is a better understanding of how integration takes place between the main factors involved in the onset and initial dynamics of general syndromes involving chemical dependence: pattern of intoxication, withdrawal syndrome, craving, personality degradation. Our clinical definitions have focused on describing the symptomatology and analysing which factors count the most in determining dependence. Distinctions have been drawn between the main onset mechanisms of heroin dependence in young females. They have been divided into: inductive, hedonistic, neurotic and mixed inductive-neurotic. Each mechanism is characterized by intrinsic clinical traits and symptoms, which comprise both premorbid personality and environmental factors. Comments are provided on the clinical dynamics of opioid dependence in its early stages, as these emerge in young female patients.