SY32-2 * COMMON AND SPECIFIC GENES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO CO-MORBID DISORDERS IN ALCOHOLISM

Abstract

Introduction. Substance use disorders, including alcohol dependence are common in most countries of the world, including the United States. The 12 month prevalence of alcohol dependence in the US is about 8.5%, while tobacco dependence is 13% and marijuana dependence is 1.5%. Other psychiatric disorders are also common among persons with alcohol dependence. Major depressive disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder are the most frequently noted. Methods. Data will be presented from a review of the literature and from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA). COGA uses an extended family study designed to identify vulnerability genes associated with alcoholism and related conditions, including those that are com-morbid. COGA has conducted genome-wide association studies across a variety of phenotypes, including Axis I disorders. Results. Associations between alcohol dependence and several genes have been identified, including ADH1B, ADH4, GABRA2, CHRNA4. Several genes also demonstrate an association with other co-morbid substance use disorders, particularly depression and externalizing behavior. Conclusions. A number of genes have demonstrated an association not only with alcohol dependence but also with other alcohol-related conditions. This suggests that some genes are common across alcohol and substance abuse conditions while others contribute a specific vulnerability.