title: Relaxation, noise-induced stress, and autonomic responsivity in male alcoholics and normal controls.
abstract: Skin conductance and heart rate activity were monitored in male alcoholics and normal controls before, during, and after the presentation of high-intensity (100 db) white noise. Analysis of nonstressful, pre- and postnoise periods indicated a relatively nonlabile pattern characterizing alcoholics as they exhibited lower skin conductance levels than normals and showed no changes in activity either within or between resting sessions. A similar pattern was observed in response to noise-induced stress as alcoholics exhibited significantly smaller changes in skin conductance and heart rate activity.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects; D012063:Relaxation; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology