The Biology of Alcohol Dependence.
10.5124/jkma.2006.49.2.108
- Author:
Byung Ook LEE
1
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital, Korea. byungook@nhimc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Alcohol Dependence;
Neurobiology;
Genetics
- MeSH:
Alcoholism*;
Biology*;
Genetics;
Neurobiology;
Neurotransmitter Agents;
Population Characteristics
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2006;49(2):108-113
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronically relapsing disease and has various biological etiologies. Neither genetics nor neurobiology explains the pathogenesis of AD exclusively. AD is a multifactorial disease. This article reviews the genetic and biological aspects of AD. Many candidate genes and neurotransmitters play important roles in AD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the biological mechanisms of AD. Also the treatment of AD should be individualized according to the patients's biological characteristics.
