Polymorphic variation in the dopamine D4 receptor predicts delay discounting as a function of childhood socioeconomic status: evidence for differential susceptibility.

ABSTRACT: Inconsistent or null findings among studies associating behaviors on the externalizing spectrum--addictions, impulsivity, risk-taking, novelty-seeking traits--with presence of the 7-repeat allele of a common length polymorphism in the gene encoding the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) may stem from individuals' variable exposures to prominent environmental moderators (gene × environment interaction). Here, we report that relative preference for immediate, smaller rewards over larger rewards delayed in time (delay discounting), a behavioral endophenotype of impulsive decision-making, varied by interaction of DRD4 genotype with childhood socioeconomic status (SES) among 546 mid-life community volunteers. Independent of age, sex, adulthood SES and IQ, participants who were both raised in families

SUBMITTER: Sweitzer MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3682430 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature