The Modulation of the Startle Reflex as Predictor of Alcohol Use Disorders in a Sample of Heavy Drinkers: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Background Previous studies demonstrated that patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) show altered startle reflex responses to alcohol-related stimuli. However, there is little information about the role of these altered responses in the development of AUDs. This study examined the startle reflex response to different visual stimuli and the role of these patterns in the development of AUDs in a 4-year follow-up.

Methods Two hundred and thirty-nine (nondependent) heavy-drinking participants were selected. In the baseline period, the startle reflex responses to alcohol-related, aversive, appetitive, and neutral pictures were assessed. Startle reflex responses to these pictures were used as predictive variables. Status drinking (alcohol dependence and nondependence) assessed at 4-year follow-up was used as outcome measure.

Results At the 4-year follow-up assessment, 46% of participants fulfilled DSM-IV alcohol abuse or dependence criteria. Alcohol dependence status was predicted by an attenuated startle reflex response to alcohol-related and aversive pictures.

Conclusions This study revealed that an attenuated modulation of startle reflex response to alcohol-related and aversive stimuli could be used as a clinical marker to predict the development of AUDs in participants with previous alcohol consumption.