Regarding the genetics of alcoholism, which of the following is true?
If someone is an alcoholic, their probability of having a first degree relative with alcoholism is 90%28%First degree relatives of alcoholics have a tenfold increased risk33%Monozygotic twins have a lower concordance than dizygotic twins for alcoholism7%Adoption studies suggest that the environment is more influential than genetics in causing alcoholism26%Alcoholism does not seem to run in families5%
Alcohol (genetics)
The genetics of alcoholism has been well studied. In the 1950's it was observed that alcoholism tends to run in families.
Adoption studies
Several studies confirm that biological children of alcoholics are more likely to develop alcoholism even when adopted by parents without the condition.
Twin studies
Monozygotic twins have a greater concordance rate for alcoholism than dizygotic twins (Agrawal 2008).
Family studies
Family studies have shown substantially higher rates of drug abuse among siblings (particularly those whose parents were positive for substance abuse) than among individuals in the community (Gelernter 2010).
Heritability estimates range from 50 to 60 percent for both men and women (McGue 1999).
Agrawal (2008). Are there genetic influences on addiction: Evidence from family, adoption and twin studies.
Addiction 103(7):10691081
Gelernter (2010) Genetics of drug dependence Dialogues Clin Neurosci. Mar; 12(1): 7784.
McGue (1990) The behavioural genetics of alcoholism. Current Directions in Psychological Science
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