Impulsivity and alexithymia predict early versus subsequent relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder: A 1‐year longitudinal study

Abstract

Introduction: Longitudinal psychopathological predictors of relapse in alcohol use disorder are unclear.Methods: Relapses, sociodemographic and psychopathological risk factors were assessed in 171 alcohol use disorder outpatients within a 1-year follow up. Impulsivity and alexithymia were evaluated using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, respectively.Results: At endpoint, 39% of patients maintained abstinence, 30.9% relapsed at ≤1 month from detoxification (early), 30.1% at >1 month (subsequent). Baseline Barratt Impulsiveness Scale score was predictive of early versus subsequent relapse (odds ratio 1.12, p = 0.005) and versus abstinence (odds ratio 1.17, p < 0.001). Toronto Alexithymia Scale score was a risk factor for subsequent versus early relapse (odds ratio 1.13, p = 0.003) and versus abstinence (odds ratio 1.21, p < 0.001).Discussion and Conclusions: Impulsivity predicted relapse within the first 4-weeks; alexithymia showed delayed effects. Time-varying effects of specific relapse factors emphasise the need for preliminary careful assessment and personalised interventions to promote long-term abstinence.

Mental Health in First- and Second-Division Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Nevertheless, the high impulsivity found on this study did not correspond with a high prevalence of mental disorders. In this regard, and contrary to previous studies [ 48 , 49 ], high impulsivity did not seem to be an indicator of poor mental health in our sample. Impulsivity is usually high in athletes, especially in those sports which historically attribute social standing to their players, such as American football, ice hockey, and soccer [ 50 ].…”

“…It is important to highlight that high impulsivity scores have been associated with poorer clinical outcomes for multiple mental pathologies, such as affective disorders [ 48 ] or substance use disorders [ 49 ], among others. In turn, it should be noted that these values were even higher in the sample of first-division players, meaning that this high impulsivity together with the high economic status of these players could increase their predisposition to engage in risky behaviors and their susceptibility to mental health pathologies [ 48 , 49 ]. Nevertheless, the high impulsivity found on this study did not correspond with a high prevalence of mental disorders.…”

Factors Associated with Relapses in Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder

“… 76 Again, there is a study consisting of 171 patients showing that impulsivity increases relapses. 77 In addition, in studies with smaller samples, mixed results have been obtained as impulsivity has a significant relationship with relapse or not. 78 , 79 …”