Showing papers by "Andrew C. Heath published in 2003"

Genetic and environmental influences on offspring alcoholism: New insights using a children-of-twins design

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the genetic and environmental risk factors of alcoholism by means of the offspring of twins design. Method: Detailed information regarding psychiatric and alcohol use, abuse, and dependence status (DSM-IV) was obtained from male MZ and DZ twins concordant or discordant for alcohol dependence, as well as from their spouses and offspring. Results: • Offspring of MZ and DZ twins with a history of alcohol dependence were significantly more likely to exhibit alcohol abuse and dependence than offspring of nonalcoholic fathers. • Offspring of an alcohol abusing MZ twin whose cotwin was alcohol dependent were also more likely to exhibit alcohol dependence than were offspring of nonalcoholic twins. • Offspring of nonaffected MZ twins whose cotwin was alcohol dependent were no more likely to exhibit alcohol abuse or dependence than were offspring on nonalcoholic twins. Conclusions: Findings support the hypothesis that family environmental effects do make a difference in accounting for offspring outcomes. In particular, a low risk environment serves to moderate the impact of high genetic risk for the development of alcohol use disorders.

The contribution of self-reported childhood abuse to the onset of alcohol-related outcomes

Abstract: The contribution of self-reported childhood abuse to the onset of alcohol-related outcomes" (2003). Th e Con t r ib ut ion of Se lf-Re p or t e d Ch ild h ood Ab use t o t h e On se t of Alcoh ol-r e lat e d Out com e s The association of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and physical abuse (PA) with subsequent alcohol dependence risk was initially recognized in treatment samples. More recently, epidemiologic studies have confirmed these findings. 1-4 We have reported 5 on the association between CSA and negative outcomes in data from a recently completed diagnostic telephone assessment of a volunteer panel of young adult Australian twins and confirmed the association between a history of CSA and alcohol dependence. In the current analyses, we attempted to extend these findings by examining the effects of a history of childhood abuse (CA), either CSA or PA, on the onset of various alcohol-related outcomes. A history of CA was reported by 22.6% of women and 14.9% of men. The respective hazard ratios representing the risk of alcohol dependence associated with a history of CA in women and men were 2.48 (2.05-2.99) and 1.42 ((1.11-1.81). In analyses controlling for gender and respondents' report of maternal and paternal alcohol problems, a history of CA was associated with a significantly earlier onset of alcohol intoxication (-0.77 year) and alcohol dependence (-0.75 year). A history of CA was similarly associated with a significantly earlier onset of other alcohol problems, regular smoking, leaving home, and consensual sexual intercourse. These results suggest that the association between CA and some negative outcomes (e.g. involving alcohol) may be mediated in part by an earlier use of substances (perhaps in an attempt to regulate negative affect) and earlier transition to adult roles (potentially driven by the negative home environment). ABSTRACT Initially observed in samples ascertained via clinical presentation, the association of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) or physical abuse (PA) with increased risk for subsequent alcohol dependence has more recently been confirmed in general population studies. 1-4 We have reported 5 on the association between CSA and negative outcomes (including alcohol dependence) in data from a recently completed diagnostic telephone assessment of a volunteer panel of young adult Australian twins. We used analyses uniquely available within the twin study design (e.g. comparisons of risks for outcomes in pair members who are discordant for abuse history, …

ADHD and initiation of drinking and drinking to intoxication in girls: Is there an association?

Abstract: and initiation of drinking and drinking to intoxication in girls: Is there an association?" (2003).