Alcohol Dependence: Sequencing from Multiplex Families

Two multiplex for alcohol dependence family studies were initiated based on the gender of a pair of probands. Ascertainment of a pair of AD probands was used to increase the density of alcohol dependence within the family. Identification of male (Cognitive and Personality Factors in Relatives of Alcoholics Family Study) and female (Biological Risk Factors in Female Alcoholics Family Study) alcohol dependent probands was accomplished by identifying an alcohol dependent proband while in treatment in a substance abuse treatment facility in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities who provided contact information for a sibling whom he/she thought might be interested in participating. The studies had identical ascertainment requirements. DNA was banked for all willing participants. ]]> The two family studies that were designed to select those with a high density of alcohol dependence (multiplex for alcohol dependence) were identified through the pair of same sex alcohol dependent siblings when one of the pair was in treatment in a Pittsburgh substance abuse treatment facility. Families were selected if a proband was identified who was a member of a pair of same sexed adult siblings with a DSM-III alcohol dependence diagnosis and met additional exclusion criteria. Families were excluded if the proband or any first-degree relative was considered to be "primary" for drug dependence (preceded alcohol dependence onset by at least 1 year), where the proband or first-degree relative met criteria for schizophrenia, or a recurrent major depressive disorder. All proband pairs were personally interviewed in both family studies, and all adult siblings, and living parents were interviewed in person. The interview format was a semi-structured, well-known psychiatric diagnostic instrument (Diagnostic Interview Schedule [DIS]) with known psychometric characteristics. The DIS has been assessed for both reliability and validity (Helzer et al., 1985). Because the participants were entered into the study before data sharing was initiated, starting in 2018, all I and II generation participants were re-contacted in order to obtain consent to share their genetic information, if a participant was deceased a next of kin or spouse was contacted to obtain re-consent. All deposited data are from individuals from multiplex for AD families, some of whom are alcohol dependent (N=35), and some of whom are not (N=5).]]>