Relapse as a nonlinear dynamic system: application to patients with alcohol use disorders.
Understanding the relapse process is one of the most important issues in addictive behaviors research. To date, most studies have taken a linear approach toward predicting relapse based on risk factors. Nonlinear dynamical systems theory can be used to describe processes that are not adequately modeled using a linear approach. In particular, the authors propose that catastrophe theory, a subset of nonlinear dynamical systems theory, can be used to describe the relapse process in addictive behaviors. Two small prospective studies using 6-month follow-ups of patients with alcohol use disorders (inpatient, n = 51; outpatient, n = 43) illustrate how cusp catastrophe theory may be used to predict relapse. Results from these preliminary studies indicate that a cusp catastrophe model has more predictive utility than traditional linear models.
Hufford
Michael R
MR
Department of Psychology, University of Montana, USA. mhufford@invivodata.com
Witkiewitz
Katie
K
Shields
Alan L
AL
Kodya
Suzanne
S
Caruso
John C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D012008:Recurrence