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.