Chemistry Project Abstract
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PERSONALITY AND SUBJECTIVE DRUG RESPONSE
Presenter:
Elizabeth H. Heinz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; luthnis@imsa.edu
Mentor:
Professor Harriet DeWit, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland, Chicago, IL, 60637; 773-702-1537; 6454; hdew@midway.uchicago.edu
Abstract:
This project is designed to explore the correlation between personality and subjective response to amphetamine. Personality, as measured by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ), is thought to be mediated by certain neurotransmittersystems. Subjective response to amphetamine is also thought to be mediated by some of the same systems. For example, one of the main facets of personality,positive emotionality, is thought to be related to dopamine function; the euphoric effects of amphetamine are also thought to be related to dopamine function. In order toexplore this topic, I looked at data from approximately one hundred healthy volunteers who participated in three sessions during which they received one of two doses of amphetamine or a placebo. After calculating the personality scores I looked at the correlation between subjective response to amphetamine and personality traits. A better understanding of the relationship between subjective drug response and personality may shed light on their underlying structures.