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Abnormal Electroretinogram in Cocaine-Dependent Patients

Relationship to Craving

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Monique Roy ,
David A. Smelson  and
Alec Roy
Monique Roy*
Affiliation:
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – New Jersey Medical School
David A. Smelson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, and East Orange Veterans Administration Medical Center
Alec Roy
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, and East Orange Veterans Administration Medical Center
*
Dr Monique Roy, Department of Ophthalmology, UMDNJ – New Jersey Medical School, 90 Bergen Street, Room 6164, Newark, New Jersey 07103
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Abstract

Background

The retina contains high concentrations of dopamine. We previously reported that recently withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients had significantly reduced blue cone b wave amplitude responses on the electroretinogram (ERG). In this study we wished to examine if there was a relationship between cocaine craving and reduced blue cone b wave ERG responses.

Methods

A series of 14 recently withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients completed a 45-item cocaine craving questionnaire shortly before the ERG.

Results

Cocaine dependent patients who had a reduced (<0.5 microvolts) blue cone b wave ERG response had significantly higher cocaine craving scores than patients without a reduced blue cone ERG response. There was also a significant negative correlation between blue cone b wave amplitude responses and scores on the cocaine craving questionnaire.

Conclusion

A reduced blue cone b wave ERG response may identify recently withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients with biological dysregulation and increased cocaine craving.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 4 , April 1996 , pp. 507 - 511
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1996 

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