Abstract
Background: Reduction of P300 amplitude in children and adolescents at high risk for
developing alcoholism has frequently been reported. It has been hypothesized that
this reduction represents a developmental delay in reaching age-appropriate levels
in P300 amplitude. Using latent growth analysis of longitudinal data obtained at yearly
intervals, this study seeks to define normal growth, and determine if the pattern
seen in high-risk children differs from that obtained in normal low-risk controls.
Methods: A total of 156 children from either high or low-risk families have been assessed
multiple times (two-thirds more than 4 times) using both a clinical assessment (K-SADS)
and ERP evaluation performed on the same day. A total of 635 separate assessments
were available for modeling.
Results: Quadratic growth curves revealed a slower rate of change in P300 amplitude
in high-risk than low-risk males. High-risk girls showed reduced visual P300 amplitude
only when the presence of a K-SADS diagnosis was considered. No differences were seen
for P300 latency.
Conclusions: This study confirms the hypothesis that when reduction of P300 amplitude
is seen in males at high risk for developing alcoholism, it is due to a developmental
delay.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 2,
1999
Received in revised form:
January 26,
1999
Received:
October 7,
1998
Identification
Copyright
© 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
