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Serotonin in early-onset alcoholism
1Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Recent Developments in Alcoholism : an Official Publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study explores ways to group alcoholics for research. Early-onset male alcoholism shows links to antisocial behavior and low serotonin levels, with promising genetic and brain imaging findings.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Alcoholism is a complex disorder with diverse presentations.
- Subgrouping alcoholics is crucial for targeted psychobiological and genetic research.
- Early-onset, male-limited alcoholism is a distinct subtype with specific characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common methods for subgrouping alcoholics.
- To identify homogeneous patient groups for advanced studies.
- To explore the psychobiological and genetic underpinnings of early-onset alcoholism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current subgrouping schemes.
- Analysis of associations between early-onset alcoholism and behavioral traits.
- Examination of neurobiological markers like serotonin turnover.
- Review of preliminary molecular genetic and brain imaging studies.
Main Results:
- Early-onset, male-limited alcoholism is frequently linked to antisocial personality disorder and conduct disorder.
- Low central serotonin turnover is associated with early-onset male alcoholism.
- Data on platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and serotonin uptake are conflicting.
- Molecular genetic and brain imaging studies show promising preliminary results.
Conclusions:
- Effective subgrouping of alcoholics is essential for advancing research.
- Early-onset male alcoholism has identifiable behavioral and neurobiological correlates.
- Further molecular genetic and neuroimaging research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of this subtype.