Mood and attention variability in women with alcohol dependence: a preliminary investigation.
We compared women (n = 22) with alcohol dependence in an in-patient rehabilitation program at three weeks abstinence with student controls on mood scales and affect variability measured with a visual analogue scale. Patients also completed a measure of attention variability using a Continuous Performance Test. Fourteen of the patients met criteria for a bipolar spectrum disorder. Patients scored higher on mood scales and affect variability measures than controls. High and scared affect variability correlated with attention variability. This suggests that mood/cognitive dysregulation may be a component of alcohol dependence in women.
Bowen
Rudy
R
Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. r.bowen@usask.ca
Block
Gerald
G
Baetz
Marilyn
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001288:Attention; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012114:Residential Treatment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013695:Temperance; D014796:Visual Perception