Sex differences in compulsive alcohol drinking phenotypes: implications for decision-making and social behavior in a...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Compulsivity is a transdiagnostic trait linked to alcohol use disorders.
• Its impact on social behavior and decision-making requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify a phenotype of compulsive alcohol drinking.
• Evaluate behavioral alterations in social behavior and cognitive processes using the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC).
• Examine sex as a potential modulatory factor.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats (male and female) underwent Schedule-Induced Polydipsia (SIP) with water and alcohol.
• Cluster analysis segmented rats into distinct intake groups.
• Assessed social subordination (SDTT), sociability/novelty (3CT), and decision-making (rGT).

Main Results:

• Four profiles emerged: Low Compulsive, Compulsive Alcohol, Compulsive Water, and High Compulsive.
• Males predominated in high alcohol clusters; females in low-consumption profiles, indicating sex-specific susceptibility.
• High Compulsive rats showed lower social status and less risky decisions; alcohol consumption reduced sociability and erased sex differences.

Conclusions:

• Compulsivity and alcohol intake synergistically increase behavioral vulnerability.
• These effects are particularly evident in social competence and decision-making domains.
• Findings highlight the complex interplay between compulsivity, alcohol, sex, and behavior.