It is important to systematically evaluate phenotypes in order to determine whether or not they constitute an adequate, and potentially useful, endophenotype for the disorder of interest. Tsuang, Faraone, and Lyons (1993) have put forth specific criteria for evaluating endophenotypes. In this section, subjective responses to alcohol will be reviewed in light of their a-priori criteria: (1) specificity; (2) state-independence; (3) heritability; (4) familial association; (5) cosegregation; and (6) biological and clinical plausibility.
