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Alcohol use disorder and emotional processing patterns: Insights from a systematic review.
Julio A Camacho-Ruiz1, Carmen M Galvez-Sánchez2, Ana Teresa Martins3
1Foundation Project Man Jaén, Jaén, Spain; Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatments, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
Psychiatry Research
|April 16, 2026
Summary
Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) show significant emotional processing deficits, impacting social cognition and recovery. Addressing these impairments, considering gender and intersectionality, is crucial for effective treatment and sustained abstinence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) poses significant physical, psychological, emotional, and neurological risks.
- Emotional processing is critical for social cognition and therapeutic outcomes in AUD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review emotional processing in individuals with AUD.
- To explore these deficits through a gender-informed and intersectional lens.
- To identify potential intervention targets for AUD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines.
- Literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Inclusion of 11 studies after rigorous screening.
Main Results:
- Individuals with AUD exhibit impaired social and emotional cognition, particularly facial emotion recognition and Theory of Mind (ToM).
- Attentional biases towards alcohol cues and difficulties disengaging were observed.
- Neuroimaging reveals altered brain activity in regions associated with emotion processing and reward, with limited research on gender differences.
Conclusions:
- Impaired social and emotional processing in AUD can hinder abstinence and treatment effectiveness.
- Comprehensive treatments must integrate cognitive and emotional rehabilitation.
- A gender perspective and intersectional framework are essential for recovery-focused interventions.
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