LATERALITY AS A POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC INDICATOR OF DRUG DEPENDENCY

We are reporting on a probe research project involving individuals dep endent on heroin (the dominant drug). The results of psychophysiologic al examination of a group of control students - by age, sex and number - are compared with a group of drug addicts. In our study, we examine d the degree of laterality in handedness and in blood pressure measure ments in both arms (systolic and diastolic) as well as heartbeat. The results have indicated a more pronounced degree of laterality in the c ase of drug addicts, particularly in the fine motor functions, an incr eased tremor in the left hand a greater number of ''contacts'' in the tracing task using the left hand. We also detected a greater psychomot oric rate (tapping) on the right hand. Similarly, in the final examina tion we found a higher diastolic pressure in the left hand (second mea surement) and higher heart rate in the right hand (first measurement). Our interpretation of the results is placed in a psychological contex t with respect to focus of attention, conscious activation control tak ing into consideration negative emotional states.