Construction and validation of a tool for measuring visual abstract reasoning in patients with alcohol dependence (VisAR-AD)

The review of literature highlights the impact of alcohol misuse on cognitive functions, particularly abstract reasoning, emphasizing the need for specialized assessments tailored to individuals with alcohol dependence. Existing neuropsychological evaluations often lack sensitivity in this population, underscoring the necessity of developing dedicated tools. Studies indicate significant differences in abstract reasoning abilities between alcohol-dependent individuals and healthy controls, reinforcing the importance of accurate assessment methods tailored to the target population.

The study aims to develop and validate a tool for assessing visual abstract reasoning among patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence in India, addressing the lack of culturally relevant assessment tools for this population. This tool’s construction and validation involve several steps, including the selection of culturally appropriate stimuli and validation among patients with alcohol dependence. The absence of such a tool hampers the precise evaluation of cognitive and psychological impairments linked to alcohol use and impedes the formulation of personalized treatment strategies.

Inclusion criteria for cases require a diagnosis of alcohol dependence according to ICD 11 criteria, while healthy controls must fall within specific age ranges and exhibit no signs of psychiatric illness. Exclusion criteria aim to eliminate factors such as other psychiatric diagnoses or major medical illnesses. The statistical methods employed include descriptive analysis, item analysis, and validation techniques to establish the tool’s reliability and validity. Tools utilized in the study encompass various assessments, including the General Health Questionnaire-5, Clinical Institute Withdrawal Scale, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, Verbal Similarities Test of Abstract Reasoning, and Digit Repetition Test.

The detailed procedure involves multiple phases, including item construction, expert validation, and pilot testing, culminating in the validation phase with data collection from cases and controls. Potential risks are minimal, mainly involving discomfort in answering sensitive questions, while benefits include the construction of a novel tool with implications for interventions. Ethical considerations prioritize informed consent, participant rights, confidentiality, and anonymity.