Background
Risk of alcoholism is higher in those with a positive family history (FH+) and in
those showing behavioral disinhibition, possibly reflecting altered limbic system
function.
Methods
We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 17 nonabusing young adults,
9 with FH+ and high in disinhibition versus 8 with a negative family history (FH−)
and low in disinhibition. We probed limbic system reactivity with a recognition task
using faces expressing fear versus geometric objects.
Results
Subjects with FH− had robust activation to the faces in the region of the right and
left amygdalar complexes (p’s < .05), while subjects with FH+ had no such activation
(p’s > .46). The blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the region of
the amygdala was correlated with scores on the self-report measure of temperament
in the combined groups (r = .51, p < .04).
Conclusions
Behaviorally disinhibited temperament, found in many with FH+, may be associated with
amygdalar hyporesponsiveness and a failure to avoid risky decisions, increasing the
person’s liability for alcohol abuse.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 16, 2007
Accepted:
September 24,
2006
Received in revised form:
August 22,
2006
Received:
May 19,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
