Alcohol consumption and executive functions: multiple case study

Abstract

Various studies have found a relationship between alcohol consumption and neuropsychological impairment. The objective of the study is to evaluate executive functions in alcohol-consuming subjects. A non-experimental design consisting of a multiple case study was used; a cross section with a descriptive scope is followed. The sample is made up of 3 alcohol consuming participants selected through a case-type sampling. The instruments used were the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Questionnaire, the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale -IV, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Stroop Color and Word Test and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire. In the data analysis, the individual report of each of the cases in which the description of the behavior of alcohol consumption is presented and the main results with respect to the executive functions evaluated was drafted, then a comparison was made between the cases studied to find hypotheses that can be tested in future research. The results indicate that the participants present dependence on alcohol consumption and reflect mild-moderate alterations in mental flexibility, inhibitory control, working memory, and present mild dysexcutive symptoms. Keywords: Alcohol consumption; executive function; dysexecutive syndrome