Association of the long allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism with compulsive craving in alcohol dependence.

AIMS Various studies have reported a role of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) in alcoholism. METHOD The present study investigated an association of this polymorphism with obsessive-compulsive alcohol craving in 124 male patients admitted for alcohol detoxification treatment. RESULTS We found significantly higher compulsive craving in patients with the long allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism [at admission: analysis of variance (ANOVA): F = 3.48, P = 0.034, general linear model: F = 3.92, P = 0.023; after 7 days: ANOVA: F = 3.12, P = 0.049]. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the long variant of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with higher compulsive alcohol craving at the beginning of alcohol withdrawal.