Alcohol outcomes on anxiety, impulsivity and spatial memory: Possible Omega-3 amelioration effects

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is a worldwide concern that causes 5 % of the global disease burden and contributes to 3 million deaths per year. Several studies suggest an increase in alcohol drinking and alcohol related problems. Alcohol Use Disorder (formerly referred as alcoholism or alcohol addiction) is one of many possible outcomes of an early and prolonged alcohol consumption and it is highly comorbid with anxiety disorders, impulsivity and memory deficits among others. In this review we approach recent data about global and American prevalence of alcohol use and discuss different factors that contribute to alcohol consumption. Furthermore, we revise evidence of ethanol effects on anxiety-like behaviors, impulsivity and spatial memory. Lastly, we look at the Omega-3 fatty acid as a possible course of action in mitigating the aforementioned deleterious effects of alcohol consumption.

Keywords: Alcohol; Anxiety; Fatty acids; Impulsivity; Omega-3; Spatial memory.