Association of the long allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism with compulsive craving in alcohol dependence

Alcohol Alcohol. 2007 Nov-Dec;42(6):509-12. doi: 10.1093/alcalc/agm068. Epub 2007 Aug 21.

Abstract

Aims: Various studies have reported a role of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) in alcoholism.

Method: The present study investigated an association of this polymorphism with obsessive-compulsive alcohol craving in 124 male patients admitted for alcohol detoxification treatment.

Results: We found significantly higher compulsive craving in patients with the long allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism [at admission: analysis of variance (ANOVA): F = 3.48, P = 0.034, general linear model: F = 3.92, P = 0.023; after 7 days: ANOVA: F = 3.12, P = 0.049].

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the long variant of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with higher compulsive alcohol craving at the beginning of alcohol withdrawal.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / genetics*
  • Alcoholism / psychology
  • Alleles*
  • Behavior, Addictive / genetics*
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / genetics*
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / psychology
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins