Elevated rates of substance use disorders in non-psychotic siblings of individuals with schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Individuals with schizophrenia use psychoactive substances more frequently than the general population. The genetic vulnerability to develop schizophrenia may also increase risk for the development of substance use disorders. We examine this hypothesis by assessing the rates of substance use disorders and nicotine use in non-psychotic siblings of individuals with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Participants included 59 individuals with DSM-IV schizophrenia, 53 of their siblings, 80 community controls, and 75 of their siblings. Statistical regression was used to assess the rates of substance use disorders and nicotine use in study participants while controlling for age, gender, lifetime diagnosis of a mood or anxiety disorder, and a family history of substance use disorder.


RESULTS
Individuals with schizophrenia and their non-psychotic siblings reported higher rates of alcohol and cannabis use disorders and nicotine use when compared to siblings of comparison subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The vulnerability to develop schizophrenia may also extend to substance use disorders. Future research is needed to investigate the neurobiological basis of increased substance use in non-psychotic siblings and the psychosocial mechanisms that may contribute to increased substance use in non-psychotic siblings.
Smith
Matthew J
MJ
Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, United States. matthewsmith@northwestern.edu
Barch
Deanna M
DM
Wolf
Timothy J
TJ
Mamah
Daniel
D
Csernansky
John G
JG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D015331:Cohort Studies; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D035781:Siblings; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics
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