Related Experiment Videos
Childhood problem behavior and neuropsychological functioning in persons at risk for alcoholism
K L Workman-Daniels1, V M Hesselbrock
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol
|May 1, 1987
Summary
Childhood hyperkinetic and minimal brain dysfunction (Hk-MBD) symptoms were linked to poorer adult cognitive performance. However, family history of alcoholism did not predict cognitive deficits or Hk-MBD in offspring.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Childhood hyperkinetic and minimal brain dysfunction (Hk-MBD) is a condition with potential long-term effects.
- Understanding the link between childhood disorders and adult neuropsychological functioning is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between childhood Hk-MBD and adult neuropsychological functioning.
- To investigate if a family history of alcoholism influences cognitive abilities or Hk-MBD prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Three groups of young adults were studied: nonalcoholic offspring of alcoholic parents, nonalcoholic offspring of nonalcoholic parents, and alcoholic patients.
- Participants completed neuropsychological tests and a childhood Hk-MBD symptom checklist.
Main Results:
- Alcoholic subjects showed poorer performance on intelligence measures and reported more childhood Hk-MBD symptoms.
- No significant differences in cognitive abilities or Hk-MBD symptoms were found between offspring groups.
- Childhood Hk-MBD symptoms correlated with poorer performance on specific cognitive tasks across all participants.
Conclusions:
- Findings do not support the idea that cognitive deficits distinguish individuals with a family history of alcoholism.
- Childhood Hk-MBD is associated with impaired neuropsychological performance in adulthood, particularly on certain cognitive tasks.