Next on the horizon is sequencing, with efforts underway to sequence coding regions across the genome, and the possibility of sequencing the entire genome! And though beyond the scope of this article to review all the findings, a growing number of genes have been identified as associated with alcohol dependence (Edwards, Svikis, Pickens, & Dick, 2009). Despite the fact that broad statements are often made about how gene identification efforts have not been widely successful for identifying genes involved in psychiatric conditions, this reflects the fact that the replicated genetic associations that exist likely only reflect a small proportion of the total number of loci that are believed to be involved. There is far more work to be done. But it does not mean that there has been no progress! There are replicated associations that exist, and these can be integrated into developmental studies to characterize the risk pathways associated with these genes. Further, some of the failures to replicate likely reflect heterogeneity between studies, at the level of the phenotype and with respect to environmental exposure, and these are complexities that developmental psychologists may be able to help resolve.
