- Family history of alcohol dependence, especially with high burden, is associated with increased anxiety symptoms and greater suicidal ideation in healthy young adults.
- A significant association exists between family history of alcohol dependence and higher novelty-seeking personality traits among participants.
- Family history of alcohol dependence correlates with poorer somatic health, including familial obesity and broader physical health indicators.
Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2026;126(8):96-103. doi: 10.17116/jnevro202612608196.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between a family history of alcohol dependence (AD) and the mental health disorders and personal traits of healthy young adults.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 95 healthy subjects, with an average age of 20.68±2.45 years, of whom 80.0% were women. The study utilized a self-administered questionnaire that included a comprehensive study map and psychometric scales. Participants were categorized into two groups: individuals without a relevant family history of AD and those with a relevant family history of AD. The latter group was further divided into two subgroups based on the family history: individuals with a moderate family burden of AD (1 relative with AD), designated, and those with a high family burden of AD (2 or more relatives with AD), designated. Comparative analyses were conducted across all study variables.
RESULTS: Several significant associations were identified between a family history of AD, particularly with a high burden, and various psychological and somatic indicators. Notably, there was a correlation between a family history of AD and affective symptoms, specifically the presence and severity of anxiety symptoms (p=0.003) as well as the suicidal ideation (p=0.015), but not attempted suicides. Additionally, a relationship was established with personality traits, particularly the propensity for «novelty-seeking» behaviors (p=0.001), and a potential link to eating disorders. Furthermore, a family history of AD was correlated with general somatic health, including associations with familial obesity (p=0.0002) and overall indicators of physical health.
CONCLUSIONS: Future investigations with larger samples are essential to elucidate further the specific impacts of both the presence and grade of a family history of alcohol dependence, serving as a potential marker for the risk of developing mental health and substance use disorders at a preclinical stage.
PMID:42676205 | DOI:10.17116/jnevro202612608196
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