In the 'Symptoms - Food - Beverages' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about blacking out from alcohol:
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When drinking alcohol heavily, have you suffered blackouts (no memory of events)?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Doesn't apply / don't know" |
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"No, never" |
Alcohol never causes blackouts |
A symptom |
| 3. |
"Probably" |
Blacking out from alcohol |
A symptom |
| 4. |
"Occasionally" |
Blacking out from alcohol |
A symptom |
| 5. |
"Frequently" |
Blacking out from alcohol |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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3 |
4 |
5 |
Tryptophan Need |
Tryptophan (or 5-HTP), the precursor of the sleep-inducing neurotransmitter serotonin, also has relaxing and calming effects. Serotonin levels are often low among people with anxiety disorders. A study found that 44% of alcoholics suffer from anxiety. You can be pretty sure that you are low on tryptophan if you have ever blacked out from drinking. It has been established that low tryptophan stores trigger blackouts. |
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GLOSSARY
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Neurotransmitters (Neurotransmitter)
Chemicals in the brain that aid in the transmission of nerve impulses. Various Neurotransmitters are responsible for different functions including controlling mood and muscle movement and inhibiting or causing the sensation of pain.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Serotonin
A phenolic amine neurotransmitter (C10H12N2O) that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum and gastric membranes of mammals. Considered essential for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.
Tryptophan
Essential amino acid. Natural relaxant and sleep aid due to its precursor role in serotonin (a neurotransmitter) synthesis. Along with tyrosine, it is used in the treatment of addictions.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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