We tested the hypothesis that allelic variants of the human dopamine D2 receptor E8 genotype are associated with (i) dopamine D2 antagonist tiapride dose in treatment of alcohol withdrawal (n = 50) and (ii) with anxiety and depression in patients during alcoholism detoxification therapy (admission n = 87; discharge n = 50). DRD2 E8 A/A genotype was associated with increased dose of tiapride during a 9-day detoxification therapy and with increased anxiety and depression scores on admission and 2 weeks later. The findings suggest a pharmacogenetic influence of DRD2 E8 genotype on tiapride efficacy in alcohol withdrawal. In an earlier report, DRD2 E8 A/A genotype was associated with reduced responsiveness to the dopamine D2 agonist apomorphine; however, it is not clear whether both findings share the same biological basis. Earlier findings concerning association of DRD2 E8 A/A with increased anxiety and depression are replicated for the first time.
aDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Stralsund, Germany, bDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany, cInstitute for Human Genetics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany and dHospital for Addictive Disorders, Stralsund General Hospital, Stralsund, Germany
Correspondence to Michael Lucht, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Rostocker Chaussee 70, 18437 Stralsund, GermanyTel: +49 3831 452143; fax: +49 3831 452145; e-mail: lucht@mail.uni-greifswald.de
Received 1 December 2000;accepted 9 April 2001
