Association of the long allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism with compulsive craving in alcohol dependence.
OBJECTIVE
Various studies have reported a role of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) in alcoholism.


METHODS
The present study investigated an association of this polymorphism with obsessive-compulsive alcohol craving in 124 male patients admitted for alcohol detoxification treatment.


RESULTS
We found significantly higher compulsive craving in patients with the long allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism [at admission: analysis of variance (ANOVA): F = 3.48, P = 0.034, general linear model: F = 3.92, P = 0.023; after 7 days: ANOVA: F = 3.12, P = 0.049].


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the long variant of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with higher compulsive alcohol craving at the beginning of alcohol withdrawal.
Bleich
Stefan
S
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. stefan.bleich@uk-erlangen.de
Bönsch
Dominikus
D
Rauh
Johannes
J
Bayerlein
Kristina
K
Fiszer
Roland
R
Frieling
Helge
H
Hillemacher
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D000483:Alleles; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins