A new test may be able to accurately predict which teens are at risk to become binge drinkers, according to research conducted at the University of Vermont. The study, published in the journal Nature, predicted with 70 percent accuracy results for a group of 2,400 European teenagers followed for a five-year period (from the age of 14 to 19).
The test is comprised of neuroimaging to assess brain activity and brain structure, along with other measures such as IQ, cognitive task performance, personality and blood tests.
"Our goal was to develop a model to better understand the relative roles of brain structure and function, personality, environmental influences and genetics in the development of adolescent abuse of alcohol," says lead author Hugh Whelan.
"This multidimensional risk profile of genes, brain function and environmental influences can help in the prediction of binge drinking at age 16 years."
The team found that kids who suffered negative life experiences at the age 14 - like failed romantic/sexual relationships - were more likely to binge drink at that age and later on as well.
The team says that the test can be used in preventative interventions.
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