WhereRU: Aresty Poster 23 - Genetic Variation in the Dopaminergic System and Conduct Disorder by Aresty Posters 2009

Conduct disorder is the most commonly referred psychological problem in child psychiatric and mental health services. It is characterized by externalizing behaviors which include impulsivity, hyperactivity, aggression, and antisocial behavior. Research has shown that externalizing behavior has a sizable genetic component and is thought to be associated with the dopaminergic system, in which the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4) plays a role. The current study will determine if detainees or conduct disorder individuals can be differentiated from controls based on the variation in genetic polymorphisms of DRD4. Genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies for the exon 3 7-repeat allele and the C_1611535, rs9366, rs11246226 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DRD4 gene were compared in 179 incarcerated adolescent delinquents and 60 matched controls. Results indicated that variations in DRD4 constitute part of the general risk for criminality and conduct disorder. Understanding the influence of DRD4 on externalizing behaviors associated with conduct disorder is vital because it has potential to lead to better intervention and treatment for these individuals, which is of interest given the expensiveness of externalizing problems to the affected individuals and to society as a whole.
Contact Information: Tara Thompson (tara.thompson.22@gmail.com )