Genetics of the Alcoholism: Familial, Adoption and Twin Studies

Overview

The authors present a review about the results of classical and newer studies of quoted typesconcerning alcoholism, namely from the point of view of genealogical, epidemiological and statis-tical treatment. A critical attitude tow methodology (the extent of studies groups etc.) is emphasi-sed to enable the reader to evaluate the quality of these studies. In the concluding part of thereview terms „genetic disposition to the dependence“ and „environmental factors“ are discussed.In subsequent reviews [Genetics of alcoholism II. and Genetics of alcoholism III.] the authors willpresent an overview of the main association studies, performed on alcoholism so far. In thesereviews the authors will point out some serious methodological defects in many well known andoften quoted studies.

Key words:
alcoholism, familiar studies, adoption studies, twin studies, heritability.