What type of amnesia is most consistent with alcohol-induced blackouts?

Anterograde amnesia is most consistent with alcohol-induced blackouts because it specifically relates to the inability to form new memories after an event, which is characteristic of a blackout scenario. During a blackout caused by excessive alcohol consumption, an individual may be fully conscious and engaging in events, but their brain's ability to consolidate memories is impaired. This results in gaps in memory regarding events that occurred during the intoxication period, meaning that while they may recall events from before their intoxication, they cannot remember new information or experiences that happened while under the influence.

This phenomenon occurs because alcohol affects the hippocampus, a critical area of the brain involved in forming new memories. As a result, even though the person may be responsive or engaged during the event, they will later be unable to recall those experiences, illustrating the characteristics of anterograde amnesia.

Other types of amnesia, such as retrograde amnesia, generally involve the loss of memories prior to a certain event or time, which would not be the primary issue in the context of a blackout from alcohol. The loss of long-term memories would imply a broader and more pervasive memory loss that is not specific to the context of alcohol-related blackouts. Making up details of past events pertains