What describes the syndrome characterized by anterograde/retrograde amnesia and confabulation due to alcohol use?

The syndrome characterized by anterograde and retrograde amnesia along with confabulation due to alcohol use is Korsakoff syndrome. This condition is primarily associated with prolonged thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which is commonly observed in individuals with chronic alcohol use.

Korsakoff syndrome typically arises as a result of Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is an acute neurological condition associated with thiamine deficiency. However, while Wernicke's encephalopathy features symptoms such as confusion, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia, Korsakoff syndrome manifests as significant memory impairments. In Korsakoff syndrome, patients have difficulty forming new memories (anterograde amnesia) and may also have trouble recalling past memories (retrograde amnesia). Additionally, they may engage in confabulation, filling in memory gaps with fabricated stories that they believe to be true, rather than intentionally lying.

Understanding Korsakoff syndrome is crucial in the context of psychiatric and neurological evaluations, especially in patients with a history of alcohol misuse, as it highlights the impact of nutritional deficiencies due to chronic substance use.