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Abstract

Objective: Amygdala volume has been associated with drug craving in cocaine addicts, and amygdala volume reduction is observed in some alcohol-dependent subjects. This study sought an association in alcohol-dependent subjects between volumes of reward-related brain regions, alcohol craving, and the risk of relapse. Method: Besides alcohol craving, the authors assessed amygdala, hippocampus, and ventral striatum volumes in 51 alcohol-dependent subjects and 52 age- and education-matched healthy comparison subjects after detoxification. After imaging and clinical assessment, patients were followed for 6 months and alcohol intake was recorded. Results: Alcohol-dependent subjects showed reduced amygdala, hippocampus, and ventral striatum volumes and reported stronger craving in relation to healthy comparison subjects. However, only amygdala volume and craving differentiated between subsequent relapsers and abstainers. A significant decrease of amygdala volume in alcohol-dependent subjects was associated with increased alcohol craving before imaging and an increased alcohol intake during the 6-month follow-up period. Conclusions: These findings suggest a relationship between amygdala volume reduction, alcohol craving, and prospective relapse into alcohol consumption.

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Published In

Go to American Journal of Psychiatry
Go to American Journal of Psychiatry
American Journal of Psychiatry
Pages: 1179 - 1184
PubMed: 18593776

History

Published online: 1 September 2008
Published in print: September, 2008

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Dieter F. Braus, Prof.
Michael N. Smolka, Prof.
David N. Kennedy, Ph.D.
Verne S. Caviness, M.D., D.Phil.
Steven M. Hodge, Ph.D.
Matthew Albaugh, Ph.D.
David A. Ziegler, Ph.D.
Christian Kissling, Ph.D.
Gunter Schumann, Prof.
Hans C. Breiter, Prof.

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