This application is in response to PA-10-255 Behavioral Regulation Mechanisms of Alcohol Dependence and Related Phenotypes, which seeks to promote research on associations between regulation mechanisms and alcohol dependence, genetic and environmental factors conferring risk for alcohol dependence, and factors differentiating alcohol dependence from related externalizing behaviors. The proposed study of Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation Enduring Freedom veterans utilizes a longitudinal burst design to model the dynamic course of PTSD symptoms, alcohol dependence, and associated conduct problems. We test hypotheses regarding underlying regulatory deficits, dissociation between dependence and other externalizing behaviors, and gene x environment interactions. PTSD is related to alcohol dependence as well as associated externalizing problems resulting in difficulties in social and occupational functioning (Frueh, et al., 2001; Hog et al., 2007; Mills et al., 2007; Seal et al., 2011). Research indicates that deficits in affect an behavioral regulation are two distinct pathways linking PTSD and alcohol-related problems (Miller et al., 2006). We propose that these two pathways are associated with different types of problems. Recent theory and research on negative reinforcement models of substance dependence have highlighted the role of affect lability, rather than mean levels of negative affect, in the development of dependence (Baker et al., 2004; Simons et al., 2009, 2010b; Weinstein et al., 2008). PTSD is associated with marked lability, and we posit that it is this variability in mood that confers risk for the development of alcohol dependence in this population. In contrast, we propose that conduct problems associated with PTSD and alcohol use are a function of behavioral disinhibition. Disinhibition mediates associations between PTSD and alcohol problems (Miller et al., 2006) and disinhibition is primarily associated with alcohol-related conduct problems rather than dependence symptoms (Simons et al., 2009; 2010b). Although trauma exposure is associated with the development of PTSD and alcohol problems, there is significant variability in these associations across persons. We hypothesize genotype at the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) interacts with trauma exposure to predict PTSD symptoms and alcohol dependence, as well as the intermediary variables, affect lability and behavioral disinhibition. The study will test the role of regulation mechanisms in growth of symptoms over time, acute changes in the outcomes via person x situation effects, and test reciprocal effects of alcohol consumption on lability and PTSD symptoms. By integrating assessment of genetic and environmental risk, basic behavioral regulation deficits, and alcohol dependence and related conditions the study can improve our understanding of etiology, risk and resilience mechanisms, and potential mechanisms of therapeutic change.

Public Health Relevance

This research will increase understanding of the development of alcohol-related problems, an important public health concern. It tests a cohesive model linking genetic factors and environmental stress to endophenotypes, affect lability and behavioral disinhibition associated with alcohol dependence and related conduct problems. We test this model using highly innovative in situ assessment techniques including experience sampling with PDAs and transdermal BAC monitoring. Prevention and intervention efforts can be most cost efficient and effective when guided by a solid understanding of the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AA020519-04
Application #
8901843
Study Section
Behavioral Genetics and Epidemiology Study Section (BGES)
Program Officer
Grandison, Lindsey
Project Start
2012-09-15
Project End
2017-08-31
Budget Start
2015-09-01
Budget End
2017-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of South Dakota
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
929930808
City
Vermillion
State
SD
Country
United States
Zip Code
57069
Welker, Logan E; Simons, Raluca M; Simons, Jeffrey S (2018) Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism: Associations with alcohol use, alcohol problems and problem recognition. J Am Coll Health :1-9
Walters, Kyle J; Simons, Jeffrey S; Simons, Raluca M (2018) Self-control demands and alcohol-related problems: Within- and between-person associations. Psychol Addict Behav 32:573-582
Simons, Jeffrey S; Simons, Raluca M; Keith, Jessica A et al. (2018) PTSD symptoms and alcohol-related problems among veterans: Temporal associations and vulnerability. J Abnorm Psychol 127:733-750
Simons, Raluca M; Sistad, Rebecca E; Simons, Jeffrey S et al. (2018) The role of distress tolerance in the relationship between cognitive schemas and alcohol problems among college students. Addict Behav 78:1-8
Liu, Jiancheng; An, Huaying; Yuan, Wei et al. (2017) Prognostic Relevance and Function of MSX2 in Colorectal Cancer. J Diabetes Res 2017:3827037
Simons, Jeffrey S; Simons, Raluca M; O'Brien, Carol et al. (2017) PTSD, alcohol dependence, and conduct problems: Distinct pathways via lability and disinhibition. Addict Behav 64:185-193
Simons, Jeffrey S; Emery, Noah N; Simons, Raluca M et al. (2017) Effects of alcohol, rumination, and gender on the time course of negative affect. Cogn Emot 31:1405-1418
Emery, Noah N; Simons, Jeffrey S (2017) A reinforcement sensitivity model of affective and behavioral dysregulation in marijuana use and associated problems. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 25:281-294
Simons, Jeffrey S; Joseph Clarke, C; Simons, Raluca M et al. (2016) Marijuana consequences in a motivational context: Goal congruence reduces likelihood of taking steps toward change. Addict Behav 52:83-90
Wills, Thomas A; Simons, Jeffrey S; Sussman, Steve et al. (2016) Emotional self-control and dysregulation: A dual-process analysis of pathways to externalizing/internalizing symptomatology and positive well-being in younger adolescents. Drug Alcohol Depend 163 Suppl 1:S37-45

Showing the most recent 10 out of 17 publications