The relationship between neuropsychological impairment in alcoholics and treatment outcome at one year.

One hundred and thirty-two (132) patients with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence who participated in an inpatient treatment program were assessed on select neuropsychological measures and followed for a one year period. Neuropsychological, personality, and demographic variables did not predict outcome defined as abstinence at one year follow-up. Relapsed patients displayed slightly better initial neuropsychological functioning compared to abstainers, although this effect was not significant when these measures were controlled for age and education. These findings and the clinical implications of neuropsychological assessment in alcoholic populations is discussed.