Genetics of addiction using Twin Studies
Using identical twins in genetic studies helps answer the
question of nature versus nurture. This has become key way to study addiction.
Scientists at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics
(VIPBG) used data from thousands of identical twins and fraternal twins from
all over the world to draw conclusions on the numbers they have. They conducted
research on alcohol problems, depression, and nicotine addiction. Through their
research they have found a link between alcoholism and ADHD and between nicotine
and depression. Through the combination of mental health history, psychological
interviews, and a spectrum of 7 common psychiatric and common addiction
disorders the scientists have drawn conclusions that ADHD in a child makes them
genetically liable toward alcohol problems. Through their studies in nicotine
addiction they found that 80% of schizophrenics smoke. They also found that 20%
of depressed people are smokers. Even though nicotine dependence creates a
higher risk for depression the correlation between depression and nicotine
addiction is significant. With an abundance of information research will
continue to draw more lines genetically between addiction disorders and
psychiatric disorders.
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/topics-in-brief/genetics-addiction
Using identical twins in genetic studies helps answer the
question of nature versus nurture. This has become key way to study addiction.
Scientists at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics
(VIPBG) used data from thousands of identical twins and fraternal twins from
all over the world to draw conclusions on the numbers they have. They conducted
research on alcohol problems, depression, and nicotine addiction. Through their
research they have found a link between alcoholism and ADHD and between nicotine
and depression. Through the combination of mental health history, psychological
interviews, and a spectrum of 7 common psychiatric and common addiction
disorders the scientists have drawn conclusions that ADHD in a child makes them
genetically liable toward alcohol problems. Through their studies in nicotine
addiction they found that 80% of schizophrenics smoke. They also found that 20%
of depressed people are smokers. Even though nicotine dependence creates a
higher risk for depression the correlation between depression and nicotine
addiction is significant. With an abundance of information research will
continue to draw more lines genetically between addiction disorders and
psychiatric disorders.
I thought this was a good article. It's a different approach to the age old question nurture vs. nature and very practical to use identical twins in such a study.
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