Replicate studies employing a multi-channel approach measuring PAC within the PA domains reported here across brain regions could both test whether similar results are found and to what extent these differences in PAC might appear in neighboring channels. This could include formal testing of sex differences at target PA domains between frontal and parietal EEG channels to determine whether these inter-channel PAC estimates might be contributing to the lower PAC among women with AUD. The results of this study open other possible lines of inquiry. The AUD-associated PA domains reported here were based on individuals with severe AUD, defined as having any 6 or more of the 11 AUD symptoms listed in the DSM-5, though it is unclear how individual symptoms might map onto these AUD-associated PA domains. It could be the case that there are PA domain-specific AUD symptoms, such as with physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms, or alcohol craving and seeking behaviors. Correlational analyses could be undertaken to test symptom-based hypotheses of PAC by PA domain, as well as for other cognitive or behavioral measures that appear to be affected by AUD status, comorbid features like impulsivity and compulsivity, or genomic association studies.
