It is also important to note that while a heterogeneous sample may be more generalizable, it is not the most effective or informative measure of treatment effects given the known association of genetic markers and other variables including sex and cortisol levels. Rather, the need for carefully designed prospective clinical trials targeted to the population that will generate the best response to the experimental treatment in an effort to increase the probability of detecting an effect and to maximize treatment outcomes is critical.60, 61 Oftentimes, there are no standardized methods across AUD clinical trials making it difficult to compare studies, which may be, in part, responsible for the numerous discrepancies in the aforementioned studies.62 While the authors acknowledge the clinical application of this research is limited, given the known effect of genetics on response to medication, the use of genotype testing to predict response to AUD medication is a promising approach and requires additional research with standardized methods and stronger reproducible findings. The trend towards standardizing procedures is also noted in the clinical trials arena wherein new medications may be developed and ultimately receive FDA approval for the indication of AUD. 63, 64
