Correlation of cognitive functions with emotional dysregulation in alcohol dependence: A preliminary study

CONTEXT AND AIMS: Dysfunction of cognition and emotion is known in alcohol dependence; however, their relationship in alcohol dependence is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to know the level of emotional dysregulation and cognitive functions and their correlation in patients with alcohol dependence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 120 patients with alcohol dependence were consecutively recruited and assessed with sociodemographic and clinical pro forma, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Difficulty in Emotional Regulation Scale–Short Form (DERS-SF). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistical, Kruskal–Wallis H, and regression analysis. RESULTS: Results revealed a mild level of cognitive impairment (mean MoCA score = 0 23.76) and high levels of emotional dysregulation (mean DERS-SF score = 0 26.90). On linear regression analysis (R(2) = 0.266, df = 0 1, F = 0 42.782, P =0.000), the score on MoCA had statistically significant negative association with score on DERS-SF (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment and emotional dysregulation are inversely related in patients with alcohol dependence. Improving the dysfunction may improve the outcome of alcohol dependence.