Abstract
Affective Disorders with or Without Comorbid Alcohol Dependence: a Longitudinal Neuropsychological and Neuroimaging Investigation in Young Adults
European Psychiatry, Vol.30(Supplement 1), p.1238
European Congress of Psychiatry, 23rd (Vienna, Austria, 28-Mar-2015–31-Mar-2015)
2015
Abstract
Introduction: Limited research has examined the early neuropsychological and neurobiological changes associated with comorbid affective disorders and alcohol dependence. Objectives & Aims: To investigate the cognitive and volumetric changes in individuals diagnosed with affective disorders with or without comorbid alcohol dependence. Methods: Young adults (n = 21) who were undergoing medically-managed inpatient alcohol detoxification with comorbid affective disorders were neuropsychologically assessed 4-weeks following hospital discharge, and additionally underwent MRI brain scans during admission and 4-weeks following discharge. An affective disorders-only group (n = 21) with an equal distribution of anxiety and mood disorders was recruited through a youth mental health clinic. Results: Compared to affective disorders only (M = 31.8±4.4 years old), individuals with affective disorders and alcohol dependence (M = 33.9±6.3 years old; M = 21.1±9.2 standard drinks/day) exhibited worse sustained attention and visual memory functioning. There was a highly significant association between drinking levels since detoxification and total brain volume change, such that resumption of heavy drinking attenuated brain volume gains associated with short-term abstinence (r = -0.87, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In young adults with affective disorders, comorbid alcohol dependence is associated with more pronounced cognitive dysfunction, suggesting that these deficits are most relevant for cognitive remediation interventions. Crucially, abstinence or reduced drinking was associated with brain volume gains, whereas resumption of heavy drinking was associated with brain volume reductions, suggesting that medically-managed alcohol detoxification may, at least, partially reverse the neurobiological changes associated with prolonged alcohol dependence in young adults.
Details
- Title
- Affective Disorders with or Without Comorbid Alcohol Dependence: a Longitudinal Neuropsychological and Neuroimaging Investigation in Young Adults
- Authors
- R Lee (Author) - University of SydneyG Dore (Author) - University of SydneyL Juckes (Author) - Northern Sydney Drug & Alcohol Service Herbert Street ClinicJim Lagopoulos (Author) - University of SydneyS Hatton (Author) - University of SydneyTamara De Regt (Author) - University of SydneyS L Naismith (Author) - University of SydneyA Tickell (Author) - University of SydneyI B Hickie (Author) - University of SydneyDaniel F Hermens (Author) - University of Sydney
- Publication details
- European Psychiatry, Vol.30(Supplement 1), p.1238
- Conference details
- European Congress of Psychiatry, 23rd (Vienna, Austria, 28-Mar-2015–31-Mar-2015)
- Publisher
- Elsevier Masson
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1016/S0924-9338(15)30973-1
- ISSN
- 0924-9338
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; Engage Research Lab; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450722102621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry