sounds. Stated differently, the detrimental neuronal effects reflected by the novel P3 diminution might be most severe in individuals with an inherited dispositional sensitivity to ethanol. At the same time, there are essential methodological differences between the above-mentioned studies (Hada et al., 2001; Porjesz and Begleiter, 1997; Rodriguez Holguin et al., 1999b) and ours. Our subjects were selected for ERP study on the basis of their individual drinking histories, not the drinking histories of (1 or both of) their parents. Furthermore, we studied twin pairs selected for their concordance/discordance in drinking-related problems in late adolescence. A longitudinal twin-family design (twin pairs concordant or discordant for their own alcohol use with pairs varying in familial risks for alcohol abuse) may provide a better separation of familial risk from risks resulting from individual drinking history than a typical high-risk familial design.
