The Taq1a polymorphism of the dopamine D2 receptor gene - a key for understanding relapse proneness into alcoholism?

• Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are among the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide. Once an AUD is established, risk for relapsing within a year after treatment is very high. Repeated relapses further increase the risk of psychiatric and somatic co- morbidity, and alarmingly also for premature death (5-8 times higher compared to the general population). Oddly enough, there is still lacking knowledge of which individual traits that may predispose for elevated risk of repeated relapses. One such trait could be the Taq1A polymorphism of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) and that individuals who are carriers of the so called A1 allele have fewer DRD2 and thus a genetically determined hypo-dopaminergic brain function. Knowledge of traits related to relapse proneness will improve the ability to provide tailor-made relapse prevention programs and thereby increase the effect-size of the treatment, and reduce psychological suffering, medical and psychiatric complications as well as premature death.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

alcohol use disorders

gene for dopamine D2 receptor

relapse proneness

Publication and Content Type

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