EVENT-RELATED POTENTIALS AND ALPHA-SYNCHRONIZATION IN PREADOLESCENT BOYS AT RISK FOR PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE

Numerous studies have evaluated event-related potentials (ERPs) as bio logical indicators of the liability for alcoholism. This study extends that approach by investigating ERPs in boys at risk for other substan ce use disorders. Prepubertal (10-12 years) sons of fathers diagnosed with psychoactive substance dependence (n = 28) were compared to match ed sons of nonaffected fathers (n = 26) on an auditory ERP oddball tas k. Multivariate analyses of variance applied to peak amplitude and lat ency measures indicated small to moderate between-groups differences a t midline or parietal sites: N2 and P3 amplitude; P2, N2, P3, and Nc l atency. This replicated P3 amplitude findings in alcoholism-risk studi es, though the effect size was moderate. Analysis of event-related alp ha power indicated significantly longer latency of alpha synchronizati on and oscillations of desynchronization in boys at risk. The alpha po wer findings were statistically the more robust of the measures applie d. The role of neurocognitive factors in determining liability for sub stance use disorders is discussed.