Shyness, alcohol use disorders and 'hangxiety': A naturalistic study of social drinkers. (1st March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marsh, Beth; Carlyle, Molly; Carter, Emily; Hughes, Paige; McGahey, Sarah; Lawn, Will; Stevens, Tobias; McAndrew, Amy; Morgan, Celia J.A.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 139(2019)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01
• Subjects: Alcohol -- Social anxiety -- Hangover -- Shyness -- Alcohol use disorders; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.10.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) has been related to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Shyness can be considered a subclinical analogue of SAD, yet there is little research into the effect of alcohol on anxiety levels in highly-shy individuals. This naturalistic study investigated acute and sub-acute effects of alcohol in high and low shy social drinkers. 97 individuals were tested at home and assigned to either consume alcohol to normal levels (n = 50) or to remain sober (n = 47). Baseline measures of AUD symptoms, shyness and social phobia were taken. Measures of state anxiety were taken at baseline, following a period of alcohol consumption or sobriety, and the following morning. Marginally decreased acute anxiety resulting from alcohol consumption in high shyness was observed. A significant increase in anxiety the day following drinking was observed in highly-shy participants. There was a significant correlation between anxiety elevation on the second day and AUDIT scores in highly-shy participants. This study suggests anxiety during hangover is linked to AUD symptoms in highly-shy individuals, providing a potential marker for increased AUD risk, which could inform prevention and treatment.