Abstract
IntroductionFamily history (FH) of alcohol dependence is likely to increase the risk of trauma exposure, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol dependence. FH of alcohol dependence and trauma has been separately shown to adversely affect planning/problem‐solving aspects of executive function. However, few studies have examined these risk factors in an integrated model.MethodsUsing data from trauma‐exposed individuals from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism prospective cohort (N = 1,860), comprising offspring from alcohol‐dependent high‐risk and comparison families (mean age [SE] = 21.9 [4.2]), we investigated associations of trauma (nonsexual assaultive, nonassaultive, sexual assaultive) with DSM‐IV PTSD and alcohol dependence symptom counts, and planning/problem‐solving abilities assessed using the Tower of London Test (TOLT). Moderating effects of family history density of alcohol use disorder (FHD) on these associations and sex differences were explored.ResultsFamily history density was positively associated with PTSD in female participants who endorsed a sexual assaultive trauma. Exposure to nonsexual assaultive trauma was associated with more excess moves made on the TOLT.ConclusionFindings from this study demonstrate associations with PTSD and alcohol dependence symptom counts, as well as poor problem‐solving ability in trauma‐exposed individuals from families densely affected with alcohol dependence, depending on trauma type, FHD, and sex. This suggests that having a FH of alcohol dependence and exposure to trauma during adolescence may be associated with more PTSD and alcohol dependence symptoms, and poor problem‐solving abilities in adulthood.
Highlights
History (FH) of alcohol dependence is likely to increase the risk of trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol dependence
This study suggests that trauma type, sexual assaultive trauma, may affect executive functioning differently among female individuals compared to other trauma types
We investigated the influence of Family history (FH) of alcohol use disorder (AUD), operationalized as Family history density of AUD (FHD), on the associations between trauma type, and PTSD/alcohol dependence symptom counts, as well as planning and problem-solving aspects of executive functioning using an integrated model in trauma-exposed individuals from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) prospective cohort (N = 1,860)
Summary
History (FH) of alcohol dependence is likely to increase the risk of trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol dependence. Methods: Using data from trauma-exposed individuals from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism prospective cohort (N = 1,860), comprising offspring from alcohol-dependent high-risk and comparison families (mean age [SE] = 21.9 [4.2]), we investigated associations of trauma (nonsexual assaultive, nonassaultive, sexual assaultive) with DSM-IV PTSD and alcohol dependence symptom counts, and planning/problem-solving abilities assessed using the Tower of London Test (TOLT). Conclusion: Findings from this study demonstrate associations with PTSD and alcohol dependence symptom counts, as well as poor problem-solving ability in trauma-exposed individuals from families densely affected with alcohol dependence, depending on trauma type, FHD, and sex. Individuals exposed to nonsexual or sexual assaultive trauma are more likely to develop PTSD compared to those exposed to nonassaultive trauma (Cisler et al, 2011; Kessler et al, 2005; Ozer et al, 2003; Resnick et al, 1993). Consideration of trauma type is critical in better understanding potential adverse consequences following trauma exposure
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