MAOA genotype, childhood maltreatment, and their interaction in the etiology of adult antisocial behaviors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Maltreatment by an adult or caregiver during childhood is a prevalent and important predictor of antisocial behaviors in adulthood. A functional promoter polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene has been implicated as a moderating factor in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and antisocial behaviors. Although there have been numerous attempts at replicating this observation, results remain inconclusive.

Methods

We examined this gene-environment interaction hypothesis in a sample of 3356 white and 960 black men (aged 24-34) participating in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

Results

Primary analysis indicated that childhood maltreatment was a significant risk factor for later behaviors that violate rules and the rig

SUBMITTER: Haberstick BC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3815496 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature