The dopamine D2 receptor gene and depressive and anxious symptoms in childhood: associations and evidence for gene-environment correlation and gene-environment interaction.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Research implicates the A1 allele of the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) Taq1A polymorphism in the development of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, recent papers suggest that children with A1 allele of this gene may receive less positive parenting, and that the effects of this gene on child symptoms may be moderated by parenting. We sought to replicate and extend these findings using behavioral measures in a nonclinical sample of young children.

Methods

In a sample of 473 preschool-aged children and their mothers, structured clinical interview measures and maternal reports of child symptoms were collected, and standardized observations of parent-child interactions were conducted.

Results

An association was detected between the DRD2 A1 allele and symptom

SUBMITTER: Hayden EP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3321644 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature