Genetic Link Between Eating Disorders and Alcohol Use Discovered – Neuroscience News
Genetic Link Between Eating Disorders and Alcohol Use Discovered Neuroscience News
sdgtalks
A Genetic Nexus Between Disordered Eating and Alcohol Use Disorders
A comprehensive study of adolescent twins has revealed a genetic nexus between disordered eating and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). This correlation underscores worse outcomes, including fatality, especially when these conditions manifest simultaneously in younger teens.
The study, conducted in the U.S. and Sweden, showcased how these intertwined disorders are influenced differently in males and females. The research emphasizes the significance of sex-specific treatment strategies.
Key Facts:
- The study highlighted a clear phenotypic correlation between disordered eating and alcohol use across various manifestations in females.
- Twin studies, a fundamental tool in this research, assist in discerning between genetic and environmental influencers.
- While nonshared environmental influences contribute to the disorders individually, they marginally influence their concurrent appearance, particularly in women.
Source: Research Society on Alcoholism
Certain genetic influences contribute to disordered eating and problematic alcohol use, leaving some people vulnerable to both conditions, according to a large study of late adolescent twins.
Previous research has found concurrent eating disorders and risky drinking in younger teens amplify the chance of worse outcomes, including death. Studies across age groups have pointed to shared genetic influences for the two conditions, and other studies suggest that changes in one disorder may aggravate symptoms in the other.
Understanding the genetic and environmental factors involved in co-occurring eating disorders and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) could improve treatment and outcomes.
Adolescence is a key life stage for onset, and the major transitions characterizing the late teen years may heighten susceptibility. Little is known, however, about the varying manifestations and combinations of eating disorders and AUDs in late adolescence or potential sex differences.
For the study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, investigators in the U.S. and Sweden examined genetic and environmental risks across various dimensions and measures of disordered eating and drinking in 18-year-old twins.
Twin studies are a vital tool for differentiating between genetic and environmental influences. The researchers worked with 3,568 female and 2,526 male same-sex twins in Sweden.
The participants completed surveys assessing their drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction, alcohol consumption over the last year (frequency and amount), and alcohol problems over the previous year (signs of dependence and harmful use).
Investigators looked for three types of influence: evidence of multiple genes that work together to affect relevant traits; shared environmental factors, such as socioeconomic status, making twins more similar for a given trait; and nonshared environmental factors (e.g., childhood trauma and peer influences), making twins more dissimilar for a given trait.
They used statistical analysis to quantify the genetic and environmental contributions to disordered eating associated with alcohol use.
Co-occurring disordered eating and alcohol involvement manifested differently in male and female twins. In the women, the phenotypic correlation between the conditions was evident across different manifestations of disordered eating and alcohol use. In the men, the association was specific to problematic alcohol use.
In young women (but not the men), drive for thinness, bulimia, and body dissatisfaction had slight-to-moderate genetic correlations with alcohol consumption and problems.
Overall, nonshared environmental influences contributed to separate disordered eating dimensions and alcohol measures but minimally contributed to the co-occurrence of the two conditions in the women. Some findings contrasted with previous research involving 16- and 17-year-old twins, possibly reflecting differences in alcohol use relating to the legal drinking age in Sweden (18).
The study points to the importance of sex-specific treatment strategies for late adolescents with concurrent disordered eating and problematic alcohol use. Additionally, the findings could help identify vulnerable teens.
Late adolescents presenting with symptoms of disordered eating or problematic alcohol use could be screened for the other condition, potentially improving detection and treatment. Assessing the family history of multiple eating disorder manifestations also has value in screening and treatment.
The study did not identify specific genetic or environmental factors affecting co-occurring conditions. Further research is needed on potential differences between countries and regions and more diverse populations.
About this genetics and mental health research news
Author: Press Office
Source: Research Society on Alcoholism
Contact: Press Office – Research Society on Alcoholism
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Closed access.
“Differential genetic associations between dimensions of eating disorders and alcohol involvement in late adolescent twins” by Baiyu Qi et al. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research
Abstract
Differential genetic associations between dimensions of eating disorders and alcohol involvement in late adolescent twins
Background
Twin studies have demonstrated shared genetic and environmental effects between eating disorders and alcohol involvement in adults and middle adolescents. However, fewer studies have focused on late adolescents or investigated a wide range of eating disorder dimensions and alcohol involvement subscales in both sexes. We examined genetic and environmental correlations among three eating disorder dimensions and two alcohol involvement subscale scores in late adolescent twins using bivariate twin models.
Methods
Participants were 3568 female and 2526 male same-sex twins aged 18 years old from the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden. The Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI) assessed the drive for thinness, bulimia, and body dissatisfaction. Alcohol involvement was assessed with the Alcohol Use
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the correlation between disordered eating and alcohol use disorders, which are health-related issues. It also highlights the importance of sex-specific treatment strategies, indicating a connection to gender equality. Additionally, the article mentions potential differences between countries and regions, suggesting a focus on reduced inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices
The article emphasizes the need for improved treatment and outcomes for individuals with co-occurring eating disorders and alcohol use disorders, aligning with Target 3.5. It also highlights the importance of sex-specific treatment strategies, which relates to Target 5.1. Additionally, the mention of potential differences between countries and regions suggests a focus on reducing inequalities, aligning with Target 10.3.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Number of individuals receiving treatment for substance abuse and alcohol use disorders
- Indicator: Gender-specific treatment strategies implemented
- Indicator: Reduction in disparities in access to treatment for eating disorders and alcohol use disorders across countries and regions
The article suggests that progress towards Target 3.5 can be measured by tracking the number of individuals receiving treatment for substance abuse and alcohol use disorders. The implementation of gender-specific treatment strategies can serve as an indicator for progress towards Target 5.1. Additionally, monitoring the reduction in disparities in access to treatment for eating disorders and alcohol use disorders across countries and regions can measure progress towards Target 10.3.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol | Number of individuals receiving treatment for substance abuse and alcohol use disorders |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | Gender-specific treatment strategies implemented |
| Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices | Reduction in disparities in access to treatment for eating disorders and alcohol use disorders across countries and regions |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: neurosciencenews.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
