A test has been carried out to investigate psychological characteristics of physically handicapped veterans who have been administered opioid drugs periodically for pain relief. The subject group of the test was 19 Vietnam war veterans aged 47-52 who have been injected meperidine hydrochloride(Demerol) regularly, and the control group was 19 Vietnam war veterans of similar ages with the same level of handicaps who are not inject. The questionnaire of MMPI(Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory), BDI(Beck Depression Inventory), and CS(Coping Strategies) was distributed to the subject and control groups, and the results were compared. The subject group was classified according to doses and handicaped parts for further comparison.

According to MMPI study, the subject group showed significantly higher level of paranoia.

According to BDI study, the subject group showed heavier depression compared to the control group, and the amputation cluster showed heavier depression than paraplegia cluster.

According to CS study, the subject group showed significantly lower score in productive conversion and self-control, but higher score in self-judge. And the high and medium dosage clusters showed lower score than low dosage cluster in active forgetfulness.

In conclusion, we think that physician should consider psychological aspect as well as physical status in rehabilitation therapy of the disabled who is addicted to drugs.