Tests of executive functioning predict scores on the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Neuroscience

Background:

• Executive functioning (EF) deficits are linked to alcoholism risk in high-risk groups.
• Previous research suggests EF tests predict alcoholism risk in specific populations.
• The current study investigates EF's predictive ability in a general outpatient setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if executive functioning (EF) tests predict alcoholism risk in a general neuropsychological outpatient population.
• To determine the relationship between specific EF measures and alcoholism risk as indicated by the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC).

Main Methods:

• Sixty-eight outpatients completed EF tests (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Trails Part B) and the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC).
• Principal Components Analysis (PCA) reduced EF measures.
• Hierarchical regression analyzed the predictive power of EF factors on MAC scores after controlling for demographics and IQ.

Main Results:

• A factor derived from the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) significantly predicted MAC scores (p = .0063).
• Block Design scores also significantly predicted MAC scores (p = .033).
• Poorer performance on the WCST factor and Block Design correlated with higher alcoholism risk scores.

Conclusions:

• Executive functioning (EF) deficits are associated with alcoholism risk, even in populations without a high density of alcohol-related behaviors.
• These findings support the role of EF, and potentially prefrontal brain function, in the neurobiology of alcoholism risk.