Beginning to binge drink: Its effect on behavioural inhibition in adolescents and young adults
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1
University of New South Wales, School of Medical Science, Australia
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2
University of New South Wales, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Australia
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3
University of New South Wales, School of Psychology, Australia
Aims
Behavioural control is known to be diminished in those who binge drink, yet not much is known about the direct effect binge drinking has on this aspect of brain function, especially in people who are still undergoing brain development. In the current study, we examine the changes in Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) and ERP components, P3 and ERN amplitude, pre and post onset of binge drinking. Additionally, we examine whether there is a relationship between impulsivity and behavioural inhibition.
Method
Participants aged 17-25, with no history of binge drinking, performed the stop-signal task (SST) while EEG was recorded, and completed questionnaires gauging impulsivity levels and drinking habits at two sessions three months apart. Those who had binged (consumed more than 4 standard drinks on one occasion) at least once in the intervening time were classed as Bingers; those who had not were classed as Non-Bingers.
Results
Bingers had longer SSRTs than Non-Bingers for both sessions. P3 amplitude was shown to decrease for the groups between session one and two, and both groups had larger P3 amplitudes for successful stop-signal trials. Furthermore, Bingers had less negative ERN amplitudes compared to Non-bingers, and ERN amplitudes differed at session two for both groups. Additionally, there was no relationship between impulsivity and SSRT as well as drinking habits.
Conclusions
Binge drinkers appear to have a pre-existing deficit in SSRT and reduced ERN amplitude before any binge drinking takes place, compared to non-bingers. P3 amplitude does not appear to be affected by binge drinking, as both groups showed reductions by session two. Finally, those who are rated more impulsive did not significantly differ in behavioural control nor drinking habits compared to less impulsive people.
Acknowledgements
Dr JL Smith was supported by an Australian Rotary Health Royce Abbey Postdoctoral Fellowship. Dr JA Rushby was supported by an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship.
Keywords:
stop-signal task,
binge drinking,
Alcohol Drinking,
behavioural inhibition,
impulsivity
Conference:
Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Inc, Coffs Harbour, Australia, 26 Nov - 28 Nov, 2014.
Presentation Type:
Poster
Topic:
Psychophysiology
Citation:
Dalton
KI,
Smith
JL,
Rushby
JA and
Joseph
M
(2014). Beginning to binge drink: Its effect on behavioural inhibition in adolescents and young adults.
Conference Abstract:
Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Inc.
doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2014.216.00007
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Received:
22 Oct 2014;
Published Online:
02 Dec 2014.
*
Correspondence:
Dr. Janette L Smith, University of New South Wales, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, Australia, janette.smith@unsw.edu.au