Alcoholism and emotional reactivity: More heterogeneous film-induced emotional response in newly detoxified alcoholics compared to controls

Author(s): Philippot, P., Verpoorten, C., Dan, B., Baert, I., LeBon, O., Verbanck, P., Pelc, I.

Journal/Book: Addict Behav. 1998; 23: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 413-418.

Abstract: Alcoholics are thought to be characterized by irregular emotional responses, having trouble reaching an optimal level of emotional arousal. They therefore may use alcohol to restore emotional homeostasis. This study investigated whether recently detoxified alcoholics show different emotional responses as compared to controls. Film excerpts were used to induce emotions in 14 newly detoxified alcoholics (9 men, 5 women) and matched controls in a standardized laboratory setting. Subjective emotional (questionnaires) and physiological measures were employed. Depression and cognitive deterioration were controlled. Based on subjective ratings, alcoholics displayed greater variability of emotion; they displayed also fewer or no physiological arousal changes. Subjective emotional responses were exceedingly high or low. These differences were not accounted for by depression or cognitive deterioration. We hypothesize that alcohol could be used to restore an optimal level of emotional arousal. This homeostatic function of alcohol is yet to be clearly assessed.

Note: Article Kornreich C, Free Univ Brussels, Hop Univ Brugmann, Dept Psychiat, Van Gehuchten Pl 4, B-1020 Brussels, BELGIUM

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Alcoholism and emotional reactivity: More heterogeneous film-induced emotional response in newly detoxified alcoholics compared to controls - A preliminary study