Familial aggregation of DSM-IV alcohol use disorders: examination of the primary-secondary distinction in a general population sample.
This study examined the familial aggregation of alcoholism in subgroups of respondents classified with respect to the primary-secondary distinction as it is related to DSM-IV major depression and alcohol use disorders. Rates of alcoholism among specific first- and second-degree relatives of male and female probands with primary, secondary, and concurrent depression (i.e., the comorbid groups) and with major depression only were compared with one another and with a normal control group. The results of this general population survey that uses a large representative sample of the U.S. were at variance with some findings from the clinical literature with regard to familial aggregation. Greater rates of alcoholism were found among first- and second-degree relatives of the major depression only group compared with normal controls. Male and female probands of all three comorbid groups were not shown to convey a greater risk of alcoholism to their offspring compared with the normal control group or the major depression only group. The discrepancy between clinical research findings and those of this general population study were discussed in terms of methodological considerations.
Grant
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Division of Biometry and Epidemiology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7003, USA.
Pickering
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RP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology