The long-term objective of the proposed study is to elucidate the etiology and pathogenesis of alcoholism. We propose to conduct a 30 year follow-up study of 223 Danish men at high-risk for alcoholism by virtue of having alcoholic fathers, and 107 low-risk control subjects with nonalcoholic parents. Both groups were examined perinatally and at one year of age, in 1959-1962, as part of an extensive cohort study. Their school medical and psychological records have also been collected. The two groups were extensively studied again at ages 18-20 during 1979-1980, at which time detailed social, educational, psychological, neurological and neurophysiological data were collected. Beginning in the Fall of 1989, a qualified psychiatrist will obtain information about the drinking history, psychopathology, social and family history, drinking by the biological parents, parental rearing behavior, and personality of the subjects. DSM-III-R criteria will be applied when appropriate. Specific goals: (1) Identify markers of future drinking behavior by comparing data obtained before drinking began (including perinatal data) with outcome measures when the subjects are about 30 years of age; (2) By identifying markers of alcoholism, increase the ability to predict its occurrence and apply appropriate, preventive measures; (3) Thereby increase our understanding of the causes of alcoholism. In summary, this is a four-phase longitudinal study. The first two phases (perinatal and predrinking data base) have been accomplished. We are now seeking funding for phase three, the essential first follow-up of subjects as adults that will examine the predictive associations between previously obtained measures and various outcomes, especially drinking outcomes. The fourth and final phase is planned for a period when the subjects are in their middle forties.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AA008176-03
Application #
3112170
Study Section
Clinical and Treatment Subcommittee (ALCP)
Project Start
1989-09-29
Project End
1993-08-31
Budget Start
1991-09-01
Budget End
1992-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Kansas
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
016060860
City
Kansas City
State
KS
Country
United States
Zip Code
66160
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Goodwin, D W; Gabrielli Jr, W F; Penick, E C et al. (1999) Breast-feeding and alcoholism: the Trotter hypothesis. Am J Psychiatry 156:650-2
Volavka, J; Czobor, P; Goodwin, D W et al. (1996) The electroencephalogram after alcohol administration in high-risk men and the development of alcohol use disorders 10 years later. Arch Gen Psychiatry 53:258-63