The effects of alcohol on heartbeat perception: Implications for anxiety.

摘要: Abstract Introduction It is well established that some individuals self-medicate their anxiety with alcohol. Though much evidence exists alcohol consumption can be negatively reinforcing, there remains uncertainty regarding what mediates the relationship between and anxiety. An unexplored possibility that, for some, impairs interoceptive sensitivity (the ability to accurately perceive one's physiological state), thereby decreasing state Consistent this, highly accurate heartbeat perception a risk factor both elevated trait disorders. However, direct impact of on cardioceptive accuracy has not our knowledge been previously examined. Methods Sixty-one social drinkers came lab in groups 4–6 two days spaced week apart. Each participant was randomly assigned receive alcoholic drinks targeting BAC 0.05% one testing day placebo other, order counter-balanced. On days, participants engaged Schandry task three occasions: at baseline, after an absorption period, arousal raised via exercise. Results For men only, significantly impaired relative low high levels arousal, medium large effect sizes. Conclusions preliminary, this finding consistent proposed hypothesis linking anxiety, least men. Future studies should directly examine whether, among disorders,