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Cerebral Damage Associated With Alcoholism: A Reexamination

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Abstract

The literature on neurophysical and neuropsychological studies of brain functioning in alcoholics is integrated and critically reviewed and analyzed with respect to three hypotheses of brain damage in alcoholics: (a) diffuse or generalized brain damage, (b) damage that is lateralized to the right hemisphere, and (c) damage to the frontal-limbic-diencephalic system. The authors conclude that while currently available evidence clearly demonstrates brain damage in alcoholics, it is not adequate unequivocally to support or refute any specific hypothesis of brain damage due to alcoholism. They emphasize the need for further research for both theoretical and practical purposes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Memphis State University, USA

    John F. Bolter

  2. Department of Psychology, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, 95211, USA

    Roseann Hannon

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Bolter, J.F., Hannon, R. Cerebral Damage Associated With Alcoholism: A Reexamination. Psychol Rec 30, 165–179 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394667

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