title: Biological markers in alcoholism.
abstract: The search for biological markers of a predisposition towards alcoholism is the result of data indicating that this disorder is genetically influenced. The present paper reviews some methodological considerations important for trait marker research in alcoholism. To date, the most promising results have come from studies comparing populations at elevated risk (i.e., sons of alcoholics) to controls. Such investigations point towards a decreased intensity of reaction to ethanol in sons of alcoholics, a decreased amplitude of the P300 wave of event-related potentials, and the possibility of a unique pattern of waves on the background cortical EEGs. The potential implication of these findings is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000429:Alcohol Oxidoreductases / Q000235:genetics; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D012107:Research Design; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D005819:Genetic Markers; D007527:Isoenzymes; D000429:Alcohol Oxidoreductases; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase