Effects of abstinence of alcohol on neurocognitive functioning in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome

Asian Journal of Psychiatry
Parvinder KaurAarzoo Gupta

Abstract

Alcohol dependence causes impairment of neurocognitive functions. Abstinence for some time leads to improvement in neurocognitive functions. This study was conducted with the aim to observe the effects of abstinence on neurocognition. The current study was an observational, single group with longitudinal design exploring the effect of abstinence on neuropsychological functioning and further exploring correlation of clinical factors with neuropsychological functioning in patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS). Sixty consecutive male patients of ADS meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were inducted. Neurocognitive tests were applied at baseline, one month and three months of abstinence. All neurocognitive functions showed significant improvement at three-time intervals (p < 0.05) except for visuomotor function, for which improvement was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) at one month. The difference for scores on verbal fluency, working memory, set-shifting (WCST total trials and perseverative errors) and visuomotor function from 0 to 3 months was significant (p < 0.05). There was significant interaction (p < 0.05) between duration of regular but non-dependent use, total duration of use, duration of dependence, ...Continue Reading

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