Neural basis of altered stress reactivity in people with alcohol use disorder: the role of childhood abuse and neglect

Childhood abuse and neglect is a well-documented risk factor for the development of an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol-dependent patients with experiences of abuse and neglect in childhood show a more severe course of the disorder with earlier onset, more frequent and heavier alcohol consumption and a higher probability of relapse after successful alcohol withdrawal. Subjective and physical stress reactivity and maladaptive emotion regulation in stressful situations appear to play an important role in this relationship. Together with our cooperation partners at the Clinic for Addictive Disorders and the Institute of Radiology, Pediatrics and Neuroradiology at the Helios Clinics in Schwerin, we are investigating the neurobiological basis of maladaptive stress and emotion regulation in patients with alcohol use disorders and experiences of abuse in this project.

Information on participation can be found here.

If you are interested in participating as a control subject and meet the criteria listed in the study flyer, please send an email to: nasad@medicalschool-hamburg.de

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Duration of the study: 03.2023 - 03.2027

Project management: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Markus Mühlhan

Research assistants: M.Sc. Sandra Nowaczynski, M.Sc. Maximilian Fascher

Cooperation partners: Dr. med. Markus Stuppe, Dr. med. Karsten Alfke, Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Jürgen Raatschen, Prof. Dr. med. Oliver Heese, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Sebastian Trautmann

Third-party funding: Own funds