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Relationships between impulsivity and subjective response in an IV ethanol paradigm

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Abstract

Rationale

Impulsivity and individual differences in subjective response to alcohol are risk factors for alcohol problems and possibly endophenotypes for alcohol dependence. Few prior studies have addressed relationships between the two constructs.

Objectives

To predict subjective responses to ethanol, we tested self-reported impulsiveness, ethanol dose condition (high dose, low dose, or placebo), and time (seven time points) along with interactions among these variables.

Methods

The present study is a secondary analysis of data from a within-subject, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging ethanol administration study using IV infusion with a clamping technique to maintain steady-state breath alcohol concentration. The sample consisted of healthy, non-alcohol dependent social alcohol drinkers between the ages of 21 and 30 (N = 105). Participants at varying levels of impulsivity were compared with regard to stimulant and subjective responses to three ethanol dose conditions over time.

Results

Individuals with higher impulsivity reported elavated stimulant and dampened sedative response to alcohol, particularly at the higher dose. Higher impulsivity was associated with a steeper increase in stimulant effects during the first half of clamped ethanol infusion with the higher dose.

Conclusions

These results suggest that impulsive individuals may experience enhanced reinforcing, stimulant effects, and relatively muted aversive sedative effects from alcohol. These subjective responses may relate to enhanced risk of alcohol problems among more impulsive individuals.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grants P50 AA012870, K01 AA 019694, K05 AA014715, the VA VISN1 MIRECC, the VA Alcohol Research Center, ABMRF/the Foundation for Alcohol Research, and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The authors acknowledge the important contributions of Angelina Genovese, R.N.C., M.B.A., Elizabeth O’Donnell, R.N., Michelle Lynn SanPedro, R.N., and Willie Ford of the Neurobiological Studies Unit of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT. The authors would also like to thank Elisa Gagliardi and Christine Nogueira, B.A. of the Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine for editorial assistance.

Conflict of interest

The authors report that they have no financial conflicts of interest with respect to the content of this research. Dr. O’Malley is a member ACNP/ASCP workgroup, the Alcohol Clinical Trial Initiative, sponsored by Abbott Laboratories, Alkermes, Eli Lilly & Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck, Pfizer, and Schering Plough; past partner, Applied Behavioral Research; contract, Eli Lily & Company, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals; medication donations, Pfizer, Inc.; Advisory Board, Lundbeck; consultant, Alkermes, GlaxoSmithKline; Scientific Panel of Advisors, Hazelden Foundation; received an honorarium from the University of Florida to provide a grand rounds lecture. Dr. Petrakis has served as an advisor to Alkermes. All other authors have no financial disclosures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, CMHC, Room S200, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA

    Robert F. Leeman, Elizabeth Ralevski, Diana Limoncelli, Brian Pittman, Stephanie S. O’Malley & Ismene L. Petrakis

  2. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA

    Elizabeth Ralevski, Diana Limoncelli, Brian Pittman & Ismene L. Petrakis

Authors
  1. Robert F. Leeman
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  2. Elizabeth Ralevski
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  3. Diana Limoncelli
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  4. Brian Pittman
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  5. Stephanie S. O’Malley
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  6. Ismene L. Petrakis
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Correspondence to Robert F. Leeman.

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Clinicatrials.gov registration # NCT00612352

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Leeman, R.F., Ralevski, E., Limoncelli, D. et al. Relationships between impulsivity and subjective response in an IV ethanol paradigm. Psychopharmacology 231, 2867–2876 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-014-3458-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-014-3458-9

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