It is interesting to note that in the genetic studies using brain oscillations as endophenotypes significantly associated SNPs lie in the same genes that are also associated with alcohol dependence and related disorders. Thus, genes underlying the variations in endophenotypes are also associated with the disease state. This highlights the utility and importance of using this endophenotype approach with quantitative brain oscillations in the identification and understanding of genes involved in alcoholism and related disorders. As alcohol dependence results from a complex interaction of changing genetic and environmental liabilities across development, it is hoped that by combining these approaches we can eventually understand how much of the capacity to modulate these oscillations, in the context of a disease state, lies in the control of genes and how environment influences this control; prospective studies of young individuals with “risk genotypes” can lead to an improved understanding of how neural and cognitive changes contribute to susceptibility across development, which in turn can lead to the design of well-targeted prevention initiatives. Understanding genetic control of brain electrical activity may provide clues about cerebral
