Psychopathology and pain correlates of dispositional optimism in methadone-maintained patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although higher levels of dispositional optimism are associated with decreased levels of psychopathology and pain, and higher levels of mental health functioning-important outcomes in opioid treatment programs-a paucity of studies has examined dispositional optimism among individuals with opioid use disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical correlates (i.e., psychopathology, pain status) of dispositional optimism in opioid dependent patients enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).

METHODS

A survey targeting demographics, pain, psychopathology, and dispositional optimism was administered to 150 MMT patients.

RESULTS

In multivariable analyses, higher levels of dispositional optimism were significantly associated with lower levels of: depression, screened personality disorder criteria, screened symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and pain-related emotional strain. In comparison to those without a history of chronic pain (ie, noncancer related physical pain lasting at least 3 months), MMT patients who reported either lifetime or current chronic pain exhibited significantly lower levels of dispositional optimism.

CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

The associations among higher levels of dispositional optimism, lower levels of psychopathology, and lower pain-related emotional strain suggest that research focusing on the efficacy of specific interventions to promote dispositional optimism in MMT patients is warranted.