Title of article :
Genetic and Environmental Predictors of Early Alcohol Use
Author/Authors :
Joan Kaufman، نويسنده , , Bao-Zhu Yang، نويسنده , , Heather Douglas-Palumberi، نويسنده , , Mindy Crouse-Artus، نويسنده , , Deborah Lipschitz، نويسنده , , John H. Krystal، نويسنده , , Joel Gelernter، نويسنده ,
Issue Information :
روزنامه با شماره پیاپی سال 2007
Pages :
7
From page :
1228
To page :
1234
Abstract :
Background The goal of the current investigation was to examine genetic and environmental predictors of early alcohol use, a potent predictor of later alcohol dependence. Methods This study represents an add-on project to an investigation examining the efficacy of an intervention for maltreated children entering out-of-home care. Predictors of early alcohol use include the following: maltreatment, family loading for alcohol or substance-use disorders, and serotonin transporter genotype (5-HTTLPR; locus SLC6A4). Participants included 127 subjects: 76 maltreated children and 51 demographically matched community controls. Results At follow-up, 29% of the maltreated children reported alcohol use, a rate more than seven times the rate observed in controls. Maltreated children also drank alcohol, on average, more than 2 years earlier than controls (11.2 vs. 13.5 years). Early alcohol use was predicted by maltreatment, 5-HTTLPR, and a gene by environment interaction, with increased risk for early alcohol use associated with the s-allele. Psychopathology at baseline, severity of maltreatment, and poor mother–child relations also predicted early alcohol use. Conclusions Maltreated children are at high risk for psychiatric, alcohol, and substance abuse problems. Examination of genetic and environmental risk and protective factors can help identify those who are most vulnerable and help guide prevention and intervention efforts.
Keywords :
5-HTTLPR , Child abuse , alcohol , Cigarettes , gene–environmentinteractions
Journal title :
Biological Psychiatry
Serial Year :
2007
Journal title :
Biological Psychiatry
Record number :
503367
Link To Document :
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