MOFAM and MOAFTS assessments were nearly identical by design to facilitate integration of the data across samples (with adjustments for differences in ascertainment strategies). In both studies, data were collected by trained interviewers using an interview modified for telephone administration from the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA; (Bucholz et al., 1994) The SSAGA was designed to assess the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition [DSM-IV;(American Psychiatric, 1994)] substance use and other psychiatric disorders and related psychosocial domains. With the exception of the Wave 5 MOAFTS interview, which covered the 2 years between Wave 4 and 5 assessments, interviews queried lifetime psychiatric and psychosocial history. Consent was obtained verbally prior to the start of the interview.
