An experience sampling study of PTSD and alcohol-related problems

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with alcohol use disorders.
• Understanding the mechanisms linking PTSD and alcohol use is crucial for veteran mental health.
• Negative urgency and emotional intelligence may play key roles as vulnerability and resiliency factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional mechanisms between PTSD symptoms and alcohol use/problems in veterans.
• To examine the roles of negative urgency and emotional intelligence in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Experience sampling methodology with 90 Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans.
• Daily assessments over two weeks using palmtop computers.
• Analysis of within- and between-person associations between PTSD, negative urgency, emotional intelligence, and alcohol use/problems.

Main Results:

• Elevated PTSD symptoms predicted subsequent increases in alcohol use and problems.
• PTSD symptoms were associated with more alcohol-related problems, independent of drinking levels.
• Higher emotional intelligence correlated with lower negative urgency, fewer PTSD symptoms, and less alcohol use/problems.
• Emotional intelligence and negative urgency influenced alcohol use indirectly through PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A functional association exists between PTSD symptoms and alcohol consumption in veterans, supporting a self-medication model.
• Beyond use, PTSD symptoms are linked to alcohol-related problems, suggesting broader dysregulation.
• Emotional intelligence and negative urgency are significant factors in the PTSD-alcohol comorbidity, offering potential intervention targets.