Biomarkers of Binge Drinking in Maltreated Adolescents

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PROJECT SUMMARY In the current R15 application, we propose a critical continuation of a home-based, longitudinal study aimed at identifying neurodevelopmental pathways associated with risk and resilience to heavy episodic drinking (HED; i.e., binge drinking) in maltreated adolescents compared to matched controls. Phase I began with 12- to 14-year-olds to capture onset of HED behaviors. Phase II will follow youth developmentally up to age 17- to 19-year-olds to capture peak use, which was not possible in Phase I because youth were too young. Phase II extends a successful, longitudinal, home-based, electroencephalogram (EEG) study of maltreated adolescents (N=61, 98% retention in first 3 years). The entire sample (both CM and matched control youth) was recruited from Department of Social Services to maximize matching of neighborhood, socioeconomic status, ethnicity and other factors. Each participant has had 3 annual assessments. With Phase II, we will expand the sample size (from 60 to 120) and will continue to follow all existing participants with 3 more annual home-based EEG, CM, phenotypic, behavioral, cognitive, affective, and substance use assessments for ages 12-19 years. This will yield a total of 582 study visits, which will be powered do detect onset and peak HED in relation to CM and brain function. In Phase II, the majority of sample will be in late adolescence, when HED behaviors peak; so, we expect higher rates of HED. Task-based EEG and frontal EEG asymmetry (EA) are new foci because they have been linked to the approach- avoidance networks associated with trauma and alcohol use in adolescents, adults, and across species. Having 6 years of data that include onset and peak HED developmental period is vital for identifying long-term patterns and mechanisms that may be targets in prevention and intervention efforts. Undergraduate and graduate students will be engaged all aspects of Phase II including with honors theses, master’s theses, and doctoral dissertations. There are numerous study measures that have not yet been evaluated or require the additional age data proposed in Phase II to examine trajectories. Therefore, Phase II of this project will continue to directly engage students in neuroscience and alcohol use research at every level. It will also include novel neuroscience aimed at understanding risks and mechanisms for HED in maltreated adolescents.