Objective: To study the change in amplitude and latency of P300 in patients with alcohol dependence as compared to the normal controls. Scalp recorded P300, the long latency event-related potential (ERP) occurring in response to stimulus is primarily originated from sub-cortical structures, has been reported to be an indicator of neuronal structure change.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate cognition in patients of alcohol dependence with two weeks abstinence using (Event Related Potential) P300 auditory paradigm.

Methods: Forty four male patients (mean} ±SD age: 43.61} ±7.38} range: 20-60) with alcohol dependence diagnosed to ICD-10 criteria and 44 male healthy control (mean} ±SD age: 42.64} ±8.33} range: 20-60) were included in the study. Auditory ERP’s were recorded by odd ball two sound discrimination task procedures after two weeks abstinence. 

Results: Compared with healthy subjects (n = 44), patients had prolonged latencies (P = 0.003) decreased amplitude (P = 0.701) of P300 component of ERPs. We found that the patients had significantly longer P300 latency. P300 amplitude was not significantly different from those of the controls.

Conclusion: We concluded that our finding of delay P300 latency and decrease in amplitude may indicate neuronal structure impairment due to alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence. Our results indicated

cognitive impairment in patients with alcohol dependence. This is important to determine prognosis and managing patients.

Keywords: Alcohol dependence, Cognitive functions, Event related potential