The existing epidemiological literature is mixed with regard to sex differences in the prevalence of comorbid PTSD and alcohol dependence [4, 24–27]. Men are more likely to be exposed to a traumatic event. However, women are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD [4, 24]. Additionally, men are more likely to be diagnosed with alcohol-related disorders, while women with alcohol dependence are more likely than men to be diagnosed with PTSD [4, 24]. These studies have shown that PTSD and alcohol dependence diagnosis and presentation are different between men and women. While most studies focus on prevalence and diagnosis, few genetically informative studies have examined sex differences in comorbid PTSD, alcohol and other substance dependence diagnoses [28–31]. Additional research is needed to better understand the factors that moderate the relationship between sex and PTSD-AUD comorbidity.
