Electroretinogram in withdrawn cocaine-dependent subjects. Relationship to cue-elicited craving.

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported that people who are cocaine-dependent have reduced blue cone b-wave electroretinogram (ERG) responses. In this preliminary study, we examined the relationship between blue cone ERG amplitudes and craving response to cocaine cues.

METHOD

A new series of 14 recently withdrawn subjects who were cocaine-dependent completed a cocaine craving questionnaire at baseline, and again following exposure to laboratory cues; an ERG was also performed.

RESULTS

Cocaine-dependent subjects with a blunted ERG blue cone response (< 0.5 microV) showed significantly greater increases in craving following cue-exposure than subjects without the blunted ERG blue cone response.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with a blunted ERG response may represent a subgroup more vulnerable to cocaine craving and relapse.