Psychosocial Factors in Alcohol‐Discordant Twins

Summary Sixty‐three alcohol‐discordant male twin pairs, aged 45–65 years, have been investigated with respect to psycho‐social conditions, psychiatric symptoms and use of psychotropic drugs. The low consumers were significantly more often found to be married and to remain married in their first marriage, to have children and to have a higher education than their high consuming co‐twins. No differences were obtained as regards employment, income, living standard or criminality. A significantly larger number of the high consumers had been convicted for being drunk. As far as political and social activities are concerned the high alcohol consumers showed less interest and activity than their low‐consuming co‐twins. No evident disparities were found with respect to psychiatric symptoms and use of psychotropic drugs but a significantly larger number of the high consumers had seen a physician because of nervousness. The results indicate different life styles and personality traits in the group of high consumers as compared to the low alcohol consumers but no differences as to serious social disturbances between the two groups.