Externalizing disorders in the offspring from the San Diego prospective study of alcoholism.
OBJECTIVE
Conduct disorder (CD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more prevalent in relatives of alcoholics and may predict alcohol and drug problems, but not all studies agree. This paper evaluates these questions in well-educated families of alcoholics and controls.


METHODS
Data from 165, 14-25-year-old offspring in the San Diego Prospective Study were used to create Group 1 (n=17) with CD or ADHD and Group 2 (n=148) with no such diagnoses. Correlations and hierarchical logistic regressions evaluated characteristics associated with these disorders, comparing the impact of CD and ADHD.


RESULTS
The rates of CD (6.1%) and of ADHD (4.8%) were not strikingly elevated, and did not relate to the family history of alcohol or drug use disorders. Group 1 offspring were more likely to have divorced parents, a relative with bipolar disorder, a higher intake of alcohol and illicit substances, and associated problems.
Schuckit
Marc A
MA
Department of Psychiatry (116A), University of California, San Diego and the VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla, Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161-2002, USA. mschuckit@ucsd.edu
Smith
Tom L
TL
Pierson
Juliann
J
Trim
Ryan
R
Danko
George P
GP
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015897:Comorbidity; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*; D035061:Control Groups; D004243:Divorce / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology