Kaitlin Bountress1, Zachary W Adams2, Amanda K Gilmore2, Ananda B Amstadter3, Suzanne Thomas2, Carla K Danielson2. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. Electronic address: bountres@musc.edu. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. 3. Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Young adult alcohol misuse is associated with numerous long-term adverse outcomes. Given the link between impulsivity and alcohol use, we examined whether three impulsivity-related traits differentially predicted number of drinks per drinking day (DDD). We also examined whether these effects varied for those with different trauma histories. METHOD: The current study (n=254) examined motor, non-planning, and attentional impulsivity as predictors of DDD. It also examined whether impulsivity was differentially predictive of DDD across individuals in: a control group (non-trauma exposed), a trauma exposed but non-PTSD group, and a PTSD group. RESULTS: Regardless of group, more motor impulsivity was associated with more DDD. The effect of non-planning impulsivity varied according to trauma history. Specifically, more non-planning impulsivity predicted more DDD for those without PTSD. Finally, attentional impulsivity was not predictive of DDD. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults with high levels of motor impulsivity, regardless of trauma history, may be a particularly high-risk group in terms of propensity for alcohol use/misuse. Additionally, high levels of non-planning impulsivity may signify those at greater risk for alcohol misuse, among those without PTSD. Motor impulsivity and non-planning impulsivity may serve as useful intervention targets in alcohol misuse prevention efforts. Implications for future research in this area are discussed.
OBJECTIVE: Young adult alcohol misuse is associated with numerous long-term adverse outcomes. Given the link between impulsivity and alcohol use, we examined whether three impulsivity-related traits differentially predicted number of drinks per drinking day (DDD). We also examined whether these effects varied for those with different trauma histories. METHOD: The current study (n=254) examined motor, non-planning, and attentional impulsivity as predictors of DDD. It also examined whether impulsivity was differentially predictive of DDD across individuals in: a control group (non-trauma exposed), a trauma exposed but non-PTSD group, and a PTSD group. RESULTS: Regardless of group, more motor impulsivity was associated with more DDD. The effect of non-planning impulsivity varied according to trauma history. Specifically, more non-planning impulsivity predicted more DDD for those without PTSD. Finally, attentional impulsivity was not predictive of DDD. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults with high levels of motor impulsivity, regardless of trauma history, may be a particularly high-risk group in terms of propensity for alcohol use/misuse. Additionally, high levels of non-planning impulsivity may signify those at greater risk for alcohol misuse, among those without PTSD. Motor impulsivity and non-planning impulsivity may serve as useful intervention targets in alcohol misuse prevention efforts. Implications for future research in this area are discussed.
Authors: Zachary W Adams; Alison J Kaiser; Donald R Lynam; Richard J Charnigo; Richard Milich Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2012-03-17 Impact factor: 3.913
Authors: Danielle M Dick; Gregory Smith; Peter Olausson; Suzanne H Mitchell; Robert F Leeman; Stephanie S O'Malley; Kenneth Sher Journal: Addict Biol Date: 2010-04 Impact factor: 4.280