NCJ Number
246190
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2013 Pages: 1227-1232
Date Published
September 2013
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The aim of this study was to analyze the connection between alcohol dependence and criminal behavior by an integrated genetic-environmental approach.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the connection between alcohol dependence and criminal behavior by an integrated genetic-environmental approach. The research, structured as a case-control study, examined 186 alcohol-dependent males; group 1 N = 47 convicted subjects was compared with group 2 N = 139 no previous criminal records. Genetic results were innovative, highlighting differences in genotype distribution p = 0.0067 in group 1 for single-nucleotide polymorphism rs 3780428, located in the intronic region of subunit 2 of the GABA B receptor gene GABBR2. Some environmental factors e.g., grade repetition were associated with criminal behavior; others e.g., attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous were inversely related to convictions. The concomitant presence of the genetic and environmental factors found to be associated with the condition of alcohol-dependent inmate showed a 4-fold increase in the risk of antisocial behavior. The results need to be replicated on a larger population to develop new preventive and therapeutic proposals. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.