The UPPS model of impulsivity in the abuse of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). / El modelo UPPS de impulsividad en el abuso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC).

The UPPS model of impulsivity has recently been proposed, has been widely applied to substance abuse and is one of those recommended in the context of Research Domain Criteria, RDoC. However, its application to the abuse of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has been very limited. In the present work, a sample of n = 748 (67% females) was recruited through the Internet, and the reduced version of the UPPS-P was administered, in addition to the MULTICAGE-TIC and the Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI-20). The psychometric properties of UPPS-P were satisfactory in terms of internal consistency (0.87 > ω > 0.75) and structural validity. Impulsivity measured by UPPS-P correlated with all MULTICAGE-TIC scales, although with a very small effect size, and with greater magnitude with prefrontal dysfunction symptoms. The impulsivity dimension most related to ICT abuse was Urgency (0.3 > r > 0.2). A structural analysis of all the variables was carried out, with impulsivity appearing as a product of the prefrontal malfunction that predicted, through Positive Urgency, the abuse of ICTs. Impulsivity does not seem to be the central nucleus of ICT abuse, but rather failures in the superior control of behavior, of which impulsivity would be a consequence, but not the most important. This makes it advisable to design cognitive rehabilitation interventions that improve the functioning of superior behavior control mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of ICT abuse.

El modelo UPPS de impulsividad se ha propuesto recientemente, ha sido ampliamente aplicado al abuso de sustancias y es uno de los recomendados en el contexto de investigación Research Domain Criteria, RDoC. Sin embargo, su aplicación al abuso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) ha sido muy limitado. En el presente trabajo se reclutó a través de Internet una muestra de n = 748 (67% mujeres) y se administró la versión reducida de la UPPS-P, además del MULTICAGE-TIC y el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales (ISP-20). Las propiedades psicométricas de la UPPS-P resultaron satisfactorias en consistencia interna (0,87 > ω >0,75) y validez estructural. La impulsividad medida por la UPPS-P correlacionó con todas las escalas del MULTICAGE-TIC, aunque con un tamaño del efecto muy pequeño, y con mayor magnitud con las de síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal. Las dimensiones de impulsividad más relacionadas con el abuso de las TIC fueron las de Urgencia (0,3 > r > 0,2). Se realizó un análisis estructural de todas las variables apareciendo la impulsividad como un producto del mal funcionamiento prefrontal que predecía, a través de la Urgencia Positiva, el abuso de las TIC. La impulsividad no parece ser el núcleo central del abuso de las TIC, sino los fallos en el control superior de la conducta, de los que la impulsividad sería una consecuencia, pero no la más importante. Ello hace recomendable el diseño de intervenciones de rehabilitación cognitiva que mejoren el funcionamiento de los mecanismos de control superior de la conducta en la prevención y tratamiento del abuso de las TIC.

Obsession and compulsion in mobile phone use/abuse: OCDUS-ICT. / Obsesión y compulsión en el uso/abuso del móvil: el OCDUS-TIC.

Compulsiveness has been considered one of the core characteristics of addictive behaviours. One of the abusive behaviours that has acquired importance in recent times involves the use of mobile phones. The aim of this study is to obtain a version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Drug-Use Scale (OCDUS) to study the compulsivity associated with mobile phone abuse, its basic psychometric properties and the results of its application. The OCDUS-ICT was created and administered over the Internet, through instant messaging programs, social networks and e-mail, and anonymous and voluntary participation was requested. Additionally, MULTICAGE-ICT and the Inventory of Prefrontal Symptoms were administered. A sample of n=748 subjects, 33% males and 94% born and resident in Spain was obtained. The test obtained adequate values of internal consistency, applying different estimators. Confirmatory factor analysis of the theoretical scales yielded adequate fit indices. Obsessive-compulsive components were observed to become stronger as mobile phone use increased and approached abuse levels. OCDUS-ICT scales showed large correlations with prefrontal malfunction symptoms, especially Thoughts-Interference (r>0.80). In conclusion, OCDUS-ICT explores with psychometric accuracy the obsessive-compulsive components of mobile use/abuse, which are closely related to malfunctions in daily life attributable to the prefrontal cortex. If impulsivity has so far been the focus in the study of mobile phone abuse, the data from the present study suggest that greater attention should be paid to compulsivity as a factor in maintaining abuse.

La compulsividad ha sido considerada una de las características nucleares de las conductas adictivas. Uno de los comportamientos abusivos que ha adquirido importancia en tiempos recientes es el uso del teléfono móvil. El objetivo del presente trabajo es obtener una versión de la Escala de Uso Obsesivo-Compulsivo de Drogas (OCDUS) para estudiar la compulsividad asociada al abuso del móvil, conocer sus propiedades psicométricas básicas y resultados de su aplicación. Se creó y administró el OCDUS-TIC por Internet, mediante mensajería instantánea, redes sociales y correo electrónico, solicitándose la participación anónima y voluntaria. Adicionalmente se administraron el MULTICAGE-TIC y el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales (ISP). Se obtuvo una muestra de n=748 sujetos, 33% varones y 94% nacidos y residentes en España. El test obtuvo adecuados valores de consistencia interna, aplicando diferentes estimadores. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio sobre las escalas teóricas, alcanzando adecuados estimadores de ajuste. Se observó que los componentes obsesivo-compulsivos son de mayor magnitud a medida que se incrementa la implicación en el uso y su progresión al abuso del móvil. Las escalas del OCDUS-TIC mostraron correlaciones de gran magnitud con los síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal, especialmente la de Pensamiento-Interferencia (r>0,80). En conclusión, el OCDUS-TIC explora con garantías psicométricas los componentes obsesivo-compulsivos del uso/abuso del móvil, que se relacionan estrechamente con fallos cotidianos de origen prefrontal. Si la impulsividad ha centrado el interés en el estudio del abuso del móvil, los datos del presente estudio aconsejan prestar mayor atención a la compulsividad como factor de mantenimiento del abuso.

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT): Problematic use of Internet, video games, mobile phones, instant messaging and social networks using MULTICAGE-TIC. / Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC): abuso de Internet, videojuegos, teléfonos móviles, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales mediante el MULTICAGE-TIC.

Use/abuse of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has in recent years become a topic of great interest. Current discussion addresses whether it must be considered addictive behaviour and if it is a problem that primarily affects adolescents and youth. This study aims to understand the problems that affect people of all ages in controlling the use of these ICTs and whether they are related to mental health problems, stress and difficulties in executive control of behaviour. A survey was administered through social networks and email, using the MULTICAGE-ICT, a questionnaire that explores problems in the use of Internet, mobile phones, video games, instant messaging and social networks. Additionally, the Prefrontal Symptom Inventory, General Health Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale were administered. The sample was comprised of 1,276 individuals of all ages from different Spanish-speaking countries. The results indicate that about 50% of the sample, regardless of age or other variables, presents significant problems with the use of these technologies, and that these problems are directly related to symptoms of poor prefrontal functioning, stress and mental health problems. The results reveal the need for reconsidering whether we are facing an addictive behaviour or a new problem demanding environmental, psychological, sociological and sociopolitical explanations; therefore, it is necessary to reformulate actions to be implemented to address and refocus our understanding of the problem.

El uso/abuso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) es un tema que suscita enorme interés en los últimos años. Está en discusión si debe recibir la consideración de conducta adictiva y si es un problema que afecte prioritariamente a adolescentes y jóvenes. El presente estudio pretende conocer los problemas que afectan a las personas de todas las edades en el control del uso de estas TICs y si están relacionados con problemas de salud mental, estrés y dificultades en el control superior del comportamiento. Se realiza una encuesta a través de redes sociales y correo electrónico, en el que se administra el cuestionario MULTICAGE-TIC, que explora problemas en el uso de Internet, teléfono móvil, videojuegos, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales. Adicionalmente se administra el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales, el Cuestionario de Salud General y la Escala de Estrés Percibido. Se obtiene una muestra de 1.276 sujetos de todas las edades y diferentes países de habla hispana. Los resultados apuntan a que alrededor del 50% de la muestra presenta importantes problemas en el uso de estas tecnologías, y que esos problemas se relacionan directamente con síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal, estrés y problemas de salud mental, independientemente de la edad u otras variables. Estos resultados sugieren reconsiderar si se trata de una patología adictiva o si estamos ante un problema novedoso que requiere de explicaciones de índole ambiental, psicológica, sociológica y sociopolítica, debiendo reformular las acciones a emprender para reorientar la comprensión y el abordaje del problema.

[Mobile phone abuse or addiction. A review of the literature]. / Adicción o abuso del teléfono móvil. Revisión de la literatura.

The mobile phone is a relatively new technological tool, versatile and accessible, and very attractive, especially for young people, but whose use involves a risk of abuse and addictive behavior. In recent years there has been increasing interest in this problem, especially in view of the fact that it involves an increasingly younger population. The aim of this paper is to review the current state of scientific knowledge about cell phone addiction/abuse. To this end, a search was carried out in international databases, using the descriptors "mobile phone", "cellular telephones", "addiction" and "abuse", and focusing on prevalence studies, diagnostic tests, associations with psychological variables and gender differences. There is a conceptual vagueness about the concepts of abuse and addiction in relation to mobile phones, and wide disparity in the adoption of diagnostic criteria; moreover, there are numerous instruments for the assessment of these concepts. As a result, the estimated prevalence ranges from 0-38%, depending on the scale used and the characteristics of the population studied. Surprisingly, self-attribution of cell phone addiction exceeds the prevalence estimated in the studies themselves. The personality trait most consistently associated with addiction is low self-esteem, though extraversion is associated with more intense use. Women with low self-esteem are the most vulnerable group, and the most commonly associated psychopathological symptom was depression. In short, while the evidence suggests a problem in relation to mobile phone use, the vagueness of the cell phone addiction concept and the poor quality of the studies make it difficult to generalize the results. It is necessary to define and unify criteria with a view to carrying out quality studies that permit appropriate comparisons.

[Evaluation of occupational performance in everyday life in addicted population. Development of a measuring instrument: the ADO]. / Evaluación del desempeño ocupacional en la vida cotidiana en adictos. Creación de un instrumento de medida: el ADO.

Addiction is a complex disorder of brain function, which involves primarily the frontal cortex as a structure responsible for the organization of intentional behavior. The performance of everyday life activity is one of the key factors in assessing the impact of cognitive impairment. There are no validated instruments in Spanish applicable to addicts for assessing self-perceived efficacy in the performance of everyday activities. Based on the Occupational Self-Assessment, a questionnaire was developed for the exploration of: perceived level of performance quality, evaluation of competences and the influence of environment on performance. For the study, a sample of 425 non-clinical participants and 300 patients treated for substance addiction was used. The Occupational Performance Self- Report (ADO) has 37 items and showed adequate internal consistency (Alpha = 0.93, 0.75 and 0.87 for the subscales) and a stable structure in confirmatory factor analysis. The self-assessment of performance showed consistent correlation with dysexecutive symptoms in daily life (-0.54 < r < -0.66). The ADO emerges as a reliable and valid instrument for the exploration of self-perceived level of performance in the everyday lives of individuals with substance addiction, and may be useful for establishing treatment goals in conditions of high ecological validity.

Impulsivity-Compulsivity Axis: Evidence of Its Clinical Validity to Individually Classify Subjects on the Use/Abuse of Information and Communication Technologies.

The compulsive habit model proposed by Everitt and Robbins has accumulated important empirical evidence. One of their proposals is the existence of an axis, on which each a person with a particular addiction can be located depending on the evolutionary moment of his/her addictive process. The objective of the present study is to contribute in addressing the identification of such axis, as few studies related to it have been published to date. To do so, the use/abuse of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) was quantified on an initial sample of 807 subjects. Questionnaires were also delivered to measure impulsivity, compulsivity and symptoms of prefrontal dysfunction. Evidence of the existence of the proposed axis was obtained by means of Machine Learning techniques, thus allowing the classification of each subject along the continuum. The present study provides preliminary evidence of the existence of the Impulsivity-Compulsivity axis, as well as an IT tool so that each patient that starts getting treatment for an addiction can be statistically classified as "impulsive" or "compulsive." This would allow the matching of each person with the most appropriate treatment depending on his/her moment in the addiction/abuse process, thus facilitating the individualized design of each therapeutic process and a possible improvement of the results of the treatment.

[Types of semantic category and stimulus modality in procedural learning: implications for models of semantic memory]. / Tipos de categoría semántica y modalidad de los estímulos en el aprendizaje procedimental: implicaciones sobre los modelos de memoria semántica.

The present work attempts to determine whether procedural learning of a semantic categorisation task is influenced by the type of semantic category of the stimuli (biological and non-biological elements). It is also an attempt to determine the effect of the stimulus presentation modality on the categorisation task. A semantic categorisation task (4 series of 40 stimuli) was administered to 256 participants (128 classifying pictures, and 128 classifying words). Biological categories were responded to faster than non-biological ones although there were no significant differences between the interaction of the category type and the stimulus presentation modality. Reaction times progressively decreased with practice. However, the initial differences disappeared when subjects were trained. The way that current models account for these investigation findings is discussed. In addition, it is suggested that there is an attentional bias in favor of biological elements, which disappears when presumably less relevant elements become more relevant as a function of the task characteristics.

[Neuropsychological profile in cocaine addiction: issues about addict's social environment and predictive value of cognitive status in therapeutic outcomes]. / Perfil neuropsicológico en la adicción a la cocaína: consideraciones sobre el ambiente social próximo de los adictos y el valor predictivo del estado cognitivo en el éxito terapéutico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: This study analyses the neuropsychological profile of a sample of cocaine addicts and compares it with a control group from the same social environment. Also, it explores the predictive power of some neuropsychological tests on treatment outcome six months after the exploration. PARTICIPANTS AND METHOD: We administered a neuropsychological battery to 30 patients with a diagnosis of cocaine abuse or cocaine dependence, and to 30 control participants with no history of drug abuse from the same social environment. RESULTS: Verbal learning (p<0.001), immediate visual memory (p<0.05), attentional resources management (p<0.05), phonologic fluency (p<0.01), abstraction (p<0.001), complex problem-solving (p<0.05) and mental flexibility (p<0.05) are the functions most affected by cocaine use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The alterations found in the addict participants were small and non-pathognomonic, though the deficits can be correlated with impact on quality of life and on everyday occupational performance. The neuropsychological exploration showed a certain predictive capacity of abstinence after 6 months (the addict participants with better verbal mnesic performance and greater mental flexibility at the beginning of the treatment seem to benefit more from this). Finally, the results suggest that addicts live in a cognitively poor social environment. It is suggested that drug use increases previous deficits, probably of an educational or environmental origin, that are common to their immediate social context.

[Spanish version of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX-Sp): psychometric properties in addicts and non-clinical sample]. / Versión española del Cuestionario Disejecutivo (DEX-Sp): propiedades psicométricas en adictos y población no clínica.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have shown evidence of executive function impairment associated with substance abuse. This suggests the potential usefulness of a baseline assessment measure to screen for dysexecutive impairments in individuals beginning treatment. The Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) is a test widely used to estimate executive dysfunction. The main objective of this work is to study the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX-Sp). A complementary goal is to study its potential utility for initial screening in addicted individuals seeking treatment. METHOD: A sample of 131 non-clinical and 127 clinical individuals meeting the DSM-IV-TR substance abuse or dependence criteria were recruited. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed (Cronbach's Alfa=0.91), as well as other reliability indicators. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis offers four- and five-factor solutions. Also tested were the dimensionality and structural model and its convergent and discriminant validity with other instruments. Differences between clinical and non-clinical individuals and total scores were also analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the Spanish version of the DEX is a useful measure for assessing general symptoms of dysexecutive syndrome, and a valid, reliable and adequate screening test for estimating cognitive impairment associated with substance abuse.

Efectos del enriquecimiento ambiental en la recuperación de la adicción: ni enfermedad, ni crónica ni recidivante / Effects of environmental enrichment on recovery from addiction: no disease, no chronic and no relapse

En el presente trabajo se analizan de manera crítica los axiomas sobre los que se apoya el modelode enfermedad cerebral de la adicción: i) es una enfermedad, ii) está determinada genéticamente,iii) se desarrolla irremediablemente por las drogas, iv) se explica por el valor que se otorga a larecompensa, y v) se mantiene por evitación de la abstinencia. Se sostiene que, a la luz de loshallazgos científicos y bajo el prisma del sentido común, cada uno de sus axiomas resulta falsable. Sediscute sobre la idea -habitualmente sostenida- de que autoadministrarse droga, comer un excesode comidas palatables o jugar persistentemente a videojuegos produce una enfermedad incurableen las personas porque sus cerebros sufren cambios irreversibles tras la ejecución repetida delhábito. Posteriormente, se deconstruye la definición clásica de la adicción como enfermedadcrónica y recidivante analizando los datos epidemiológicos sobre la supuesta cronicidad y recidiva,aportando evidencias de la recuperación como, de hecho, el curso espontáneo más probable.Finalmente, y como hilo conductor de todo el trabajo, se propone el enriquecimiento ambientalcomo enfoque terapeútico y precursor del cambio de paradigma. Se concluye aportando ideassobre la necesidad de construir un mejor modelo biopsicosocial que optimice sustancialmente larespuesta asistencial que se ofrece a las personas que han desarrollado una adicción. (AU)

This paper critically analyses the axioms on which the brain disease model of addiction rests:i) it is a disease, ii) it is genetically determined, iii) it is irretrievably developed by drugs, iv) itis explained by the value placed on reward, and v) it is maintained by abstinence avoidance. Itis argued that, in the light of scientific findings and under the prism of common sense, each ofits axioms is falsifiable. The commonly held idea that self-administering drugs, eating an excessof palatable foods or persistently playing video games produces an incurable disease in peoplebecause their brains undergo irreversible changes after repeated performance of the habit isdiscussed. Subsequently, the classical definition of addiction as a chronic and relapsing diseaseis deconstructed by analysing the epidemiological data on the supposed chronicity and relapse,providing evidence of recovery as, in fact, the most probable spontaneous course. Finally, andas a common thread throughout the paper, environmental enrichment is proposed as a therapeutic approach and a precursor of the paradigm shift. It concludes with ideas on the need tobuild a better biopsychosocial model that substantially optimises the care response offered topeople who have developed an addiction. (AU)

Effects of environmental enrichment on recovery from addiction: no disease, no chronic and no relapse / Efectos del enriquecimiento ambiental en la recuperación de la adicción: ni enfermedad, ni crónica ni recidivante

This paper critically analyses the axioms on which the brain disease model of addiction rests:i) it is a disease, ii) it is genetically determined, iii) it is irretrievably developed by drugs, iv) itis explained by the value placed on reward, and v) it is maintained by abstinence avoidance. Itis argued that, in the light of scientific findings and under the prism of common sense, each ofits axioms is falsifiable. The commonly held idea that self-administering drugs, eating an excessof palatable foods or persistently playing video games produces an incurable disease in peoplebecause their brains undergo irreversible changes after repeated performance of the habit isdiscussed. Subsequently, the classical definition of addiction as a chronic and relapsing diseaseis deconstructed by analysing the epidemiological data on the supposed chronicity and relapse,providing evidence of recovery as, in fact, the most probable spontaneous course. Finally, andas a common thread throughout the paper, environmental enrichment is proposed as a therapeutic approach and a precursor of the paradigm shift. It concludes with ideas on the need tobuild a better biopsychosocial model that substantially optimises the care response offered topeople who have developed an addiction. (AU)

En el presente trabajo se analizan de manera crítica los axiomas sobre los que se apoya el modelode enfermedad cerebral de la adicción: i) es una enfermedad, ii) está determinada genéticamente,iii) se desarrolla irremediablemente por las drogas, iv) se explica por el valor que se otorga a larecompensa, y v) se mantiene por evitación de la abstinencia. Se sostiene que, a la luz de loshallazgos científicos y bajo el prisma del sentido común, cada uno de sus axiomas resulta falsable. Sediscute sobre la idea -habitualmente sostenida- de que autoadministrarse droga, comer un excesode comidas palatables o jugar persistentemente a videojuegos produce una enfermedad incurableen las personas porque sus cerebros sufren cambios irreversibles tras la ejecución repetida delhábito. Posteriormente, se deconstruye la definición clásica de la adicción como enfermedadcrónica y recidivante analizando los datos epidemiológicos sobre la supuesta cronicidad y recidiva,aportando evidencias de la recuperación como, de hecho, el curso espontáneo más probable.Finalmente, y como hilo conductor de todo el trabajo, se propone el enriquecimiento ambientalcomo enfoque terapeútico y precursor del cambio de paradigma. Se concluye aportando ideassobre la necesidad de construir un mejor modelo biopsicosocial que optimice sustancialmente larespuesta asistencial que se ofrece a las personas que han desarrollado una adicción. (AU)

El modelo UPPS de impulsividad en el abuso de lasTecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) / The UPPS model of impulsivity in the abuse of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

El modelo UPPS de impulsividad se ha propuesto recientemente, hasido ampliamente aplicado al abuso de sustancias y es uno de los recomendados en el contexto de investigación Research Domain Criteria,RDoC. Sin embargo, su aplicación al abuso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) ha sido muy limitado. En el presentetrabajo se reclutó a través de Internet una muestra de n=748 (67%mujeres) y se administró la versión reducida de la UPPS-P, además delMULTICAGE-TIC y el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales (ISP-20).Las propiedades psicométricas de la UPPS-P resultaron satisfactoriasen consistencia interna (0,87>ω>0,75) y validez estructural. La impulsividad medida por la UPPS-P correlacionó con todas las escalas delMULTICAGE-TIC, aunque con un tamaño del efecto muy pequeño,y con mayor magnitud con las de síntomas de mal funcionamientoprefrontal. Las dimensiones de impulsividad más relacionadas con elabuso de las TIC fueron las de Urgencia (0,3>r>0,2). Se realizó unanálisis estructural de todas las variables apareciendo la impulsividadcomo un producto del mal funcionamiento prefrontal que predecía,a través de la Urgencia Positiva, el abuso de las TIC. La impulsividadno parece ser el núcleo central del abuso de las TIC, sino los fallos enel control superior de la conducta, de los que la impulsividad seríauna consecuencia, pero no la más importante. Ello hace recomendable el diseño de intervenciones de rehabilitación cognitiva que mejoren el funcionamiento de los mecanismos de control superior de laconducta en la prevención y tratamiento del abuso de las TIC. (AU)

The UPPS model of impulsivity has recently been proposed, has beenwidely applied to substance abuse and is one of those recommendedin the context of Research Domain Criteria, RDoC. However, its application to the abuse of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has been very limited. In the present work, a sample ofn=748 (67% females) was recruited through the Internet, and thereduced version of the UPPS-P was administered, in addition to theMULTICAGE-TIC and the Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI-20).The psychometric properties of UPPS-P were satisfactory in terms ofinternal consistency (0.87 > ω > 0.75) and structural validity. Impulsivity measured by UPPS-P correlated with all MULTICAGE-TIC scales,although with a very small effect size, and with greater magnitudewith prefrontal dysfunction symptoms. The impulsivity dimensionmost related to ICT abuse was Urgency (0.3 > r > 0.2). A structuralanalysis of all the variables was carried out, with impulsivity appearingas a product of the prefrontal malfunction that predicted, throughPositive Urgency, the abuse of ICTs. Impulsivity does not seem to bethe central nucleus of ICT abuse, but rather failures in the superiorcontrol of behavior, of which impulsivity would be a consequence, butnot the most important. This makes it advisable to design cognitiverehabilitation interventions that improve the functioning of superiorbehavior control mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of ICTabuse. (AU)

Obsesión y compulsión en el uso/abuso del móvil: el OCDUS-TIC / Obsession and compulsion in mobile phone use/abuse: OCDUS-ICT

La compulsividad ha sido considerada una de las características nucleares de las conductas adictivas. Uno de los comportamientos abusivos que ha adquirido importancia en tiempos recientes es el uso del teléfono móvil. El objetivo del presente trabajo es obtener una versión de la Escala de Uso Obsesivo-Compulsivo de Drogas (OCDUS) para estudiar la compulsividad asociada al abuso del móvil, conocer sus propiedades psicométricas básicas y resultados de su aplicación. Se creó y administró el OCDUS-TIC por Internet, mediante mensajería instantánea, redes sociales y correo electrónico, solicitándose la participación anónima y voluntaria. Adicionalmente se administraron el MULTICAGE-TIC y el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales (ISP). Se obtuvo una muestra de n=748 sujetos, 33% varones y 94% nacidos y residentes en España. El test obtuvo adecuados valores de consistencia interna, aplicando diferentes estimadores. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio sobre las escalas teóricas, alcanzando adecuados estimadores de ajuste. Se observó que los componentes obsesivo-compulsivos son de mayor magnitud a medida que se incrementa la implicación en el uso y su progresión al abuso del móvil. Las escalas del OCDUS-TIC mostraron correlaciones de gran magnitud con los síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal, especialmente la de Pensamiento-Interferencia (r > 0,80). En conclusión, el OCDUS-TIC explora con garantías psicométricas los componentes obsesivo-compulsivos del uso/abuso del móvil, que se relacionan estrechamente con fallos cotidianos de origen prefrontal. Si la impulsividad ha centrado el interés en el estudio del abuso del móvil, los datos del presente estudio aconsejan prestar mayor atención a la compulsividad como factor de mantenimiento del abuso

Compulsiveness has been considered one of the core characteristics of addictive behaviours. One of the abusive behaviours that has acquired importance in recent times involves the use of mobile phones. The aim of this study is to obtain a version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Drug-Use Scale (OCDUS) to study the compulsivity associated with mobile phone abuse, its basic psychometric properties and the results of its application. The OCDUS-ICT was created and administered over the Internet, through instant messaging programs, social networks and e-mail, and anonymous and voluntary participation was requested. Additionally, MULTICAGE-ICT and the Inventory of Prefrontal Symptoms were administered. A sample of n=748 subjects, 33% males and 94% born and resident in Spain was obtained. The test obtained adequate values of internal consistency, applying different estimators. Confirmatory factor analysis of the theoretical scales yielded adequate fit indices. Obsessive-compulsive components were observed to become stronger as mobile phone use increased and approached abuse levels. OCDUS-ICT scales showed large correlations with prefrontal malfunction symptoms, especially Thoughts-Interference (r>0.80). In conclusion, OCDUS-ICT explores with psychometric accuracy the obsessive-compulsive components of mobile use/abuse, which are closely related to malfunctions in daily life attributable to the prefrontal cortex. If impulsivity has so far been the focus in the study of mobile phone abuse, the data from the present study suggest that greater attention should be paid to compulsivity as a factor in maintaining abuse

Eje impulsividad-compulsividad en el abuso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) desde la perspectiva del Proyecto de criterios de dominio de investigación (RDoC) / Impulsivity-compulsivity axis in the abuse of information and communication technologies (ICT) from the perspective of the Research Domain Criteria Project (RDoC)

El modelo de formación de hábitos de la adicción implica la transición desde una fase inicial en la que la corteza prefrontal deja de controlar el comportamiento, a una fase en la que el control se transfiere al estriado dorsal, pasando al consumo compulsivo. Este modelo ampliamente apoyado por la evidencia empírica, implica que cada sujeto se encuentra en un determinado punto del continuo de impulsividad-compulsividad. Mediante dos cuestionarios recomendados en el marco del Proyecto de criterios de dominio de investigación (RDoC), que miden la impulsividad y la compulsividad, se ratificar la existencia de ese eje bipolar, aplicado al abuso de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones (TIC). Los resultados de este estudio encuentran apoyo empírico para la existencia de este eje. El abuso de las TIC parece tener muchos más componentes compulsivos que impulsivos, excepto en el caso de los videojuegos, poco relacionados con ambos conceptos. Estos resultados tienen importantes implicaciones clínicas, en la medida en que existen enfoques terapéuticos muy diferentes para la impulsividad que para la conducta compulsiva (AU)

The habit formation model to explain addiction involves the transition from an initial phase in which the prefrontal cortex ceases to control the behavior, to a phase in which control is transferred to the dorsal striatum, progressing towards compulsive consumption. This model, widely supported by empirical evidence, implies that each subject is at a certain point in the impulsivity-compulsivity continuum. Using two questionnaires recommended within the framework of the Research Domain Criteria Project which measure impulsivity and compulsivity, an attempt was made to confirm the existence of such a bipolar axis, applied to the abuse of information and communication technologies (ICT). The results of this study provide empirical support for the existence of this axis. The abuse of ICT seems to have many more compulsive components than impulsive ones, except in the case of video games, which are little related to both concepts. These results have important clinical implications, since there are very different therapeutic approaches for impulsivity and compulsive behavior (AU)

Memory for future actions: the effect of prospective memory on an explicit and implicit memory task / Recuerdo de acciones futuras: efecto de la memoria prospectiva en una tarea explícita e implícita de memoria

INTRODUCTION: In the field of retrospective memory, an explicit and implicit memory are known to exist. This study analyses the effect of the prospective memory on a recognition task and a lexical decision task. METHOD: In experiment 1 (n = 78, of which 39 belonged to the experimental group and 39 belonged to the control group), a recognition task was followed by an intentional task, as well as an incidental free recall task. In experiment 2 (n = 74, of which 37 belonged to the experimental group and 37 belonged to the control group), repetition priming was studied during a lexical decision task, followed by an intentional task. The data were analysed using a mixed ANOVA. RESULTS: Experiment 1 showed active monitoring of the prospective memory task accompanied by a recollective search process during the recognition task. The group which carried out the prospective task also showed better scores in the incidental free recall task. Experiment 2 showed active monitoring and repetition priming during the lexical decision task. CONCLUSION: While the prospective memory affects the performance in both concurrent tasks, it does not affect the recollective search process or repetition priming

INTRODUCCIÓN: en el campo de la memoria retrospectiva se conoce la existencia de la memoria explícita e implícita. Este estudio analiza el efecto de la memoria prospectiva en una tarea de reconocimiento y una tarea de decisión léxica. MÉTODO: en el experimento 1 (n = 78, de los cuales 39 pertenecían al grupo experimental y 39 al grupo control) una tarea de reconocimiento fue seguida de una tarea intencional, así como de una tarea de recuerdo libre incidental. En el experimento 2 (n =74, de los cuales 37 pertenecían al grupo experimental y 37 al grupo control) se estudió el priming de repetición durante una tarea de decisión léxica, seguido de una tarea intencional. Los datos fueron analizados con un ANOVA mixto. RESULTADOS: el experimento 1 mostró una monitorización de la tarea de memoria prospectiva junto a procesos de búsqueda recolectiva durante la tarea de reconocimiento. Asimismo, el grupo que llevó a cabo la tarea prospectiva mostró mejores puntuaciones en la tarea de recuerdo libre incidental. El experimento 2 mostró monitorización y priming de repetición durante la tarea de decisión léxica. CONCLUSIÓN: mientras que la tarea de memoria prospectiva tiene un efecto sobre el desempeño en ambas tareas concurrentes, no afectó a los procesos de búsqueda recolectiva y priming de repetición

Assessment of motor and process skills in daily life activities of treated substance addicts.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to apply the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) in a sample of people in treatment for addictive behaviours and to study the results. METHODS: The test was applied to a sample of 101 outpatients in treatment for addiction to substances. The results were studied in relation to gender, age, level of education, and variables related to addiction. RESULTS: Motor and cognitive performance was negatively related to time of addiction and its severity. Sixty per cent of the sample reached suboptimal scores and 25% showed scores suggesting significant deterioration, especially with regard to cognitive processing skills. CONCLUSIONS: The AMPS seems to be a useful instrument to estimate the cognitive and motor impairment associated with addiction in daily life activities. The present work is the first to consider its applicability to drug users under treatment. The percentage of subjects affected and the magnitude of the observed impairment in the sample suggest the need to consider taking these deficits into account in treatment programmes and the convenience of incorporating functional rehabilitation as a basic element of the treatment of persons with addictions. Future studies should develop this instrument in larger samples, increasing the representativeness and generalizability of the results.

Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC): abuso de Internet, videojuegos, teléfonos móviles, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales mediante el MULTICAGE-TIC / Information and Communications Technologies (ICT): Problematic use of Internet, video games, mobile phones, instant messaging and social networks using MULTICAGE-TIC

El uso/abuso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) es un tema que suscita enorme interés en los últimos años. Está en discusión si debe recibir la consideración de conducta adictiva y si es un problema que afecte prioritariamente a adolescentes y jóvenes. El presente estudio pretende conocer los problemas que afectan a las personas de todas las edades en el control del uso de estas TICs y si están relacionados con problemas de salud mental, estrés y dificultades en el control superior del comportamiento. Se realiza una encuesta a través de redes sociales y correo electrónico, en el que se administra el cuestionario MULTICAGE-TIC, que explora problemas en el uso de Internet, teléfono móvil, videojuegos, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales. Adicionalmente se administra el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales, el Cuestionario de Salud General y la Escala de Estrés Percibido. Se obtiene una muestra de 1.276 sujetos de todas las edades y diferentes países de habla hispana. Los resultados apuntan a que alrededor del 50% de la muestra presenta importantes problemas en el uso de estas tecnologías, y que esos problemas se relacionan directamente con síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal, estrés y problemas de salud mental, independientemente de la edad u otras variables. Estos resultados sugieren reconsiderar si se trata de una patología adictiva o si estamos ante un problema novedoso que requiere de explicaciones de índole ambiental, psicológica, sociológica y sociopolítica, debiendo reformular las acciones a emprender para reorientar la comprensión y el abordaje del problema

Use/abuse of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has in recent years become a topic of great interest. Current discussion addresses whether it must be considered addictive behaviour and if it is a problem that primarily affects adolescents and youth. This study aims to understand the problems that affect people of all ages in controlling the use of these ICTs and whether they are related to mental health problems, stress and difficulties in executive control of behaviour. A survey was administered through social networks and email, using the MULTICAGE-ICT, a questionnaire that explores problems in the use of Internet, mobile phones, video games, instant messaging and social networks. Additionally, the Prefrontal Symptom Inventory, General Health Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale were administered. The sample was comprised of 1,276 individuals of all ages from different Spanish-speaking countries. The results indicate that about 50% of the sample, regardless of age or other variables, presents significant problems with the use of these technologies, and that these problems are directly related to symptoms of poor prefrontal functioning, stress and mental health problems. The results reveal the need for reconsidering whether we are facing an addictive behaviour or a new problem demanding environmental, psychological, sociological and sociopolitical explanations; therefore, it is necessary to reformulate actions to be implemented to address and refocus our understanding of the problem

[Personality differences between alcohol abusers and matched controls: Relation to frontal symptoms and subtypes of addicts]. / Diferencias de personalidad entre adictos al alcohol y controles emparejados: relación con sintomatología frontal y subtipos de adictos.

Epidemiological studies usually show a link between personality disorders and addictions. Dimensional models of personality, such as that of Cloninger, are able to diagnose and discriminate between transient dysfunctional behavior styles and relatively more stable traits. Certain brain areas have been proposed, as trait locations, based on their activation. This paper explores differences in personality traits among a sample of alcohol abusers (N= 95) and a control group of non-clinical population (N= 95), matched in sociodemographic variables, using the TCI-R-67 and the FrSBe-Sp. It is hypothesized that such differences are associated with frontal symptomatology. The existence of different subgroups of addicts based on certain combinations of traits is also analyzed. Results showed significant differences in two temperament traits (Novelty Seeking and Harm Avoidance) and a characterial trait (Self-Direction). We also found a correlation with a large effect size between these traits and frontal symptomatology. Cluster analysis classified the participants into several subtypes with different combinations of traits that matched diverse frontal symptomatology. Possible neurobiological explanations of these differences and their importance in the clinical practice are discussed.