Tests of executive functioning predict scores on the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale

1. Previous work reported that tests of executive functioning (EF) predict the risk of alcoholism in subject populations selected for a "high density" of a family history of alcoholism and/or the presence of sociopathic trait s. The current experiment examined the ability of EF tests to predict the r isk of alcoholism, as measured by the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC), in outpatient subjects referred to a general neuropsychological testing servic e. 2. Sixty-eight male and female subjects referred for neuropsychological tes ting were assessed for their past drinking histories and administered the W isconsin Card Sorting Test, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, the Trails (Part B) Test, and the MAC. Principal Components analysis (PCA) reduced the number of EF tests to two measures, including: one that loaded on the WCST, and one that loaded on the Similarities, Picture Arrangement, and Trails tests. Multiple hierarchical regression first removed the varian ce from demographic variables, alcohol consumption, and verbal (i.e., Vocab ulary) and non-verbal (i.e., Block Design) IQ, and then entered the executi ve functioning factors into the prediction of the MAC. 3. Seventy-six percent of the subjects were classified as either light, inf requent, or non-drinkers on the Quantity-Frequency-Variability scale. The f actor derived from the WCST on PCA significantly added to the prediction of risk on the MAC (p = .0063), as did scores on Block Design (p = .033). Rel atively more impaired scores on the WCST factor and Block Design were predi ctive of higher scores on the MAC. The other factors were not associated wi th MAC scores. 4. These results support the hypothesis that decrements in EF are associate d with risk factors for alcoholism, even in populations where the density o f alcoholic behaviors are not unusually high. When taken in conjunction wit h other findings, these results implicate EF test scores, and prefrontal br ain functioning, in the neurobiology of the risk for alcoholism.