Importantly, most studies investigating FH of AUD have focused on males, with data for females being less consistent, suggesting a weaker effect (Hill and Steinhauer 1993; Hill et al., 1995); previous studies using COGA data have shown lower P3 amplitude in female offspring from multiplex AUD families, yet to a lesser degree than in males (Porjesz and Begleiter, 1996a; Porjesz et al., 1998). Indeed, a meta-analysis of 35 studies that investigated P3 amplitude in relation to FH of substance use disorder reported that in contrast to FH+ males, low P3 amplitude is not present in FH+ females (Euser et al., 2011). An alternative explanation for the absence of associations between FH measures and P3 amplitude, in females, may also be attributed to the physiological and social changes that seem to differentially affect males and females in their developmental stages, with males being more susceptible to problem drinking (Schulte et al., 2009). Similarly, considerable evidence shows that compared to Whites, Blacks report later initiation of drinking, lower rates and levels of use across almost all age groups but higher levels of
