Current alcohol dependence and emotional facial expression recognition: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Several studies have demonstrated that chronic and excessive alcohol use causes social cognition deficits. Objectives Thus, the aim of the current study is to assess the associations between emotional facial expression recognition and current alcohol dependence. Methods The sample consisted of two groups: one was composed by current alcohol dependent individuals (AG = 110); and a control group, composed of healthy individuals (CG = 110) assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview DSM-IV. The instrument to assess the recognition of facial expressions of emotion was a dynamic task at computer. Results The AG showed low accuracy in recognizing emotions as a whole and especially fear and disgust. In addition, the group needed greater emotional intensity to recognize joy, fear, disgust and surprise. It also showed increased reaction time for all emotions (p < 0.01). The logistic regression showed the response time for surprise (ODDS = 1.01) and the ability to recognize emotions such as fear (ODDS = 0.68) and disgust (ODDS = 0.70) was significantly associated with alcohol dependence. Discussion These specific associations are of great value to a more refined understanding of alcoholism, and they concern relapse and treatment.