Familial Biochemical and Clinical Correlates of Alcoholics With Low Platelet Oxidase Activity

In a study of 200 male 20-56 yr old VA hospital alcoholic patients, substantiation was found for previous reports that low platelet MAO activity is associated with alcoholism. Results also indicate that low platelet MAO activity in alcoholic probands is associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric hopitalization in 1st-degree family members as well as alcoholism and suicide attempts among alcoholics.