Attentional biases in patients with alcohol dependence: influence of coexisting psychopathology. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sinclair, Julia M.A.; Garner, Matthew; Pasche, Sonja C.; Wood, Thomas B.; Baldwin, David S.
• Is Part Of: Human psychopharmacology. Volume 31:Number 6(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 395
• Page End: 401
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: alcohol dependence -- anxiety -- cognitive bias -- comorbidity -- depression -- visual probe task; Psychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Psychotropic drugs -- Periodicals; Psychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Psychotropic Drugs -- pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1002/hup.2549
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6222

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The effects of coexisting psychopathology on disorder‐specific attentional biases in patients with alcohol dependence are uncertain. We undertook a cross‐sectional study assessing attentional biases to alcohol‐, depression‐, and anxiety‐ related stimuli using the visual probe task in patients with alcohol dependence, attending a community alcohol service. Methods: Using the visual probe task, we presented disorder‐specific words (relating to alcohol, anxiety, and depression) for 500 ms and measured reaction times. Results: Participants demonstrated a significant attentional bias towards alcohol‐related cues (mean 8.5, p = 0.03) but significant avoidance of depression‐related cues (mean −8.4, p = 0.01). The subgroup of participants who were recently abstinent ( n = 70) showed greatest avoidance of depression‐related cues ( t (69) = 2.68, p < 0.01) but no significant vigilance towards alcohol or anxiety cues, whereas those still drinking ( n = 43) showed attentional biases towards alcohol‐related ( t (42) = 2.70, p = 0.01) and social anxiety‐related cues ( t (42) = 2.84, p < 0.01). In the whole sample, the magnitude of attentional bias to alcohol was not correlated with length of drinking history, number of comorbid conditions, or severity of anxiety/depression. Conclusions: In a clinical sample of alcohol‐dependent patients, further investigation is required to explore whether these attentional biases reflect current drinking status or factors indicating prognosis.