Background
The goal of the current investigation was to examine genetic and environmental predictors
of early alcohol use, a potent predictor of later alcohol dependence.
Methods
This study represents an add-on project to an investigation examining the efficacy
of an intervention for maltreated children entering out-of-home care. Predictors of
early alcohol use include the following: maltreatment, family loading for alcohol
or substance-use disorders, and serotonin transporter genotype (5-HTTLPR; locus SLC6A4).
Participants included 127 subjects: 76 maltreated children and 51 demographically
matched community controls.
Results
At follow-up, 29% of the maltreated children reported alcohol use, a rate more than
seven times the rate observed in controls. Maltreated children also drank alcohol,
on average, more than 2 years earlier than controls (11.2 vs. 13.5 years). Early alcohol
use was predicted by maltreatment, 5-HTTLPR, and a gene by environment interaction,
with increased risk for early alcohol use associated with the s-allele. Psychopathology
at baseline, severity of maltreatment, and poor mother–child relations also predicted
early alcohol use.
Conclusions
Maltreated children are at high risk for psychiatric, alcohol, and substance abuse
problems. Examination of genetic and environmental risk and protective factors can
help identify those who are most vulnerable and help guide prevention and intervention
efforts.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 24, 2006
Accepted:
June 20,
2006
Received in revised form:
June 20,
2006
Received:
April 24,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
