PLASMA GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC-ACID (GABA) PREDICTS OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

1. Previous studies have suggested that low plasma GABA levels (less t han or equal to 100 pmol/ml) may characterize a subset of patients wit h alcohol dependence. 2. In order to assess the clinical relevance of this biologic finding, the authors followed 49 alcohol dependent patie nts for up to 18 months following inpatient treatment. Treatment outco me was assessed by continuous abstinence and continued contact with re search personnel. 3. Alcohol dependent patients with low plasma GABA h ad significantly better outcome than patients with plasma GABA in the normal control range (101 - 150 pmol/ml). 4. These findings suggest th at plasma GABA measures may prove to be clinically useful in identifyi ng alcohol dependent patients at risk for relapse.