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Neuroimaging of Gender Differences in Alcohol Dependence: Are Women More Vulnerable?

Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research · 2005 · Vol. 29(5) · pp. 896–901

Karl Mann✉(Heidelberg University)Klaus Ackermann(Heidelberg University)Bernhard Croissant(Heidelberg University)G. Mundle(Central Institute of Mental Health)Helmut Nakovics(Central Institute of Mental Health)Alexander Diehl(Heidelberg University)

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Abstract

Gender-specific differences in the onset of alcohol dependence were confirmed. This is in line with the telescoping effect, where a later onset and a more rapid development of dependence in women were described. Under the assumption of a gradual development of consequential organ damage, brain atrophy seems to develop faster in women. As shown in other organs (i.e., heart, muscle, liver), this may confirm a higher vulnerability to alcohol among women.

Alcohol Consumption and Health Effects Alcoholism and Thiamine Deficiency Eicosanoids and Hypertension PharmacologyAtrophyNeuropathologyAlcohol dependenceNeuroimagingMedicineBrain damageAlcoholAlcohol consumptionSex characteristicsAge of onset

MeSH terms

AdultAlcoholismAtrophyBrainFemaleHumansImage Interpretation, Computer-AssistedMaleNervous SystemPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesSex CharacteristicsTomography, X-Ray ComputedAge of Onset