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RISK FACTORS - GENETIC VUNERABILITY - Coggle Diagram
RISK FACTORS - GENETIC VUNERABILITY
Overview
genetic vulnerability = the idea that someone may be more likely to become an addict because of their genetic make up
this does not mean that they will definitely develop an addiction but they are more likely to, given the right circumstances
some individuals may be born with a genetic vulnerability or a genetic predisposition to develop an addiction
circumstances = exposure to a substance or the opportunity within their environment to take it
a gene environment interaction is necessary to bring about the addictive behaviour
slutske 2010
both male and female MZ twins were found to have much higher concordance rates compared to DZ twin pairs
Male twin pairs: 49% MZ vs 21% DZ
studied 2889 pairs of twins to investigate the role of genetic and environmental factors in the development of gambling addiction
Female twin pairs: 55% vs 21% DZ
this suggests there is a genetic component to gambling that can be present in both men and women
environmental factors are also likely to be involved, especially as concordance rates amongst MZ twins were not 100%
A1 variant of the DRD2 gene
research suggests that there is a specific gene involved in addiction
Blum et al. 1990
occurred with a much higher frequency in the DNA of samples taken from alcoholics compared to non alcoholics
reported that a particular variant (A1) of the dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene is associated with fewer dopamine receptor sites
individuals with this gene may not receive enough simulation from everyday activities. individuals continue to engage in addictive in behaviours
to compensate for the dopamine deficiency
weakness
suggesting that genes only predispose an individual to addiction as opposed to being the sole determining factor
no concordance rates in twin studies (MZ twins) have ever shown 100% concordance
diathesis stress model
an individual will not become addicted if they are not exposed to the substance in the environment
we inherit a genetic vulnerability for developing an addiction. however a disorder will only manifest itself if triggered by a life event
suggests that a gene environment interaction is needed for an addictive behaviour to develop