Smaller feedback ERN amplitudes during the BART are associated with a greater family history density of alcohol problems in treatment-naïve alcoholics.
BACKGROUND
Alcoholism is characterized by impaired decision-making (i.e., choosing intoxication in the face of mounting negative consequences). This impairment may involve a reduced brain response to the negative consequences of behavior, which supports an inclination to engage in risky behaviors. The feedback error-related negativity (F-ERN) is hypothesized to reflect the valence attached to the negative consequences of behavior. Performance on the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) measures risk-taking propensity. We recorded F-ERNs during the BART and during a BART simulation, where individuals observed the rewards and consequences of (someone else's) BART performance.


METHODS
EEGs were recorded on 22 actively drinking, treatment-naïve alcoholics during the BART and BART simulation. F-ERNs were measured and their association with psychological and alcohol use measures was examined.


RESULTS
F-ERNs over fronto-central electrode sites were observed to balloon pops in the BART and BART simulation. F-ERNs during the BART were more than twice the amplitude of F-ERNs during the BART simulation. Smaller F-ERN amplitudes from the BART (but not the BART simulation) were associated with a greater family history density of alcohol problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest a possible link between the genetic vulnerability toward developing alcoholism and the brain's response to the negative consequences of behavior.
Fein
George
G
Neurobehavioral Research, Inc., 201 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera, CA 94925-1110, USA. george@nbresearch.com
Chang
Maria
M
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005190:Family; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010556:Personality Tests; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology