Another limitation was the varying methods used to assess mothers and fathers. The diagnostic status of the mothers was determined using direct interviews to obtain DSM diagnoses and obtain family history information concerning her parents and siblings. While biological fathers were interviewed in person and similar information obtained where possible, often family history information was obtained from mothers concerning the biological father and his family. Because diagnostic status was more often determined through family history for the biological fathers of these offspring, the influence of genetic loading for psychiatric problems and their possible influence on the offspring could not be directly evaluated as it was for mothers. Additionally, these alcohol dependent women from multiplex AD families demonstrate a significant amount of nonrandom mating with similarly affected SUD men. As a result, the offspring of these alcohol dependent women were more likely to have both parents affected.
