Neuropsychological responses in COA's

Author(s): Tivis, L. J.

Journal/Book: Alcohol Health Res World. 1997; 21: 6000 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20892-7003. Natl Inst Alcohol Abuse Alcoholism. 232-236.

Abstract: More than one-half of alcoholics may exhibit deficits in the processing of visual-spatial information, learning and memory, problem-solving and abstracting capabilities, and the regulation of goal-directed behavior. Research using nonalcoholic subjects suggests that some of these deficits may be familial and may predate the development of alcoholism. Results using alcoholic subjects are inconclusive, however, perhaps reflecting the effects of long-term alcohol consumption on cognitive performance. Factors that may influence the interpretation of results include psychiatric disorders, emotional instability, and type of alcoholism. Studies are needed to determine whether children from alcoholic families who become alcoholic themselves prove to be those who were previously most deficient in cognitive abilities.

Note: Article Nixon SJ, Univ Oklahoma, Hlth Sci Ctr, Dept Psychiat & Behav Sci, Oklahoma City,OK 73190 USA

Keyword(s): children of alcoholics; neuropsychological assessment; cognitive process; AODU (alcohol and other drug use) development; visual perception; spatial perception; learning; memory; problem solving; behavioral and mental disorder; FAMILY HISTORY; FEMALE ALCOHOLICS; NONFAMILIAL ALCOHOLICS; YOUNG MEN; RISK; PERFORMANCE; CHILDREN; DEFICITS; DYSFUNCTION; IMPAIRMENT

Zurück | Weiter