Clinical conditions and central noradrenergic activity in long term abstinent alcoholic patients

A group of male alcoholic patients was followed during a period of long term abstinence. Levels of HMPG - the main noradrenergic metabolite in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid - were determined when patients displayed elevated and/or depressed mood. Low levels of HMPG in CSF were significantly correlated with craving and a cluster of clinical symptoms indicating elevated mood and increased cognitive ability. Patients had higher HMPG levels during depressed states than during states with elevated mood. It is hypothesized that central noradrenergic activity is linked to clinical symptomatology such as craving and mood in long term abstinent alcoholic patients.