Mood change with alcohol intoxication

The effects of increasing blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on a set of six mood variables were investigated in 10 men and 10 women subjects. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used to assess mood states, and blood alcohol levels were determined by breathalyser readings. Results indicated a reduction in tension and an increase in confusion for subjects in general, as BACs increased, while levels of tension were consistently lower for women. Important interaction effects were observed, with men becoming more depressed and angry, and women less so, with increasing BACs.