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Dopamine system genes not linked to social phobia
J L Kennedy1, M Neves-Pereira, N King
1Neurogenetics Section, Clarke Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. james-kennedy@camh.net
Psychiatric Genetics
|January 25, 2002
Summary
Genetic studies of social phobia found no major link between dopamine genes and the disorder. Further research is needed to clarify the role of dopamine system genes in social anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Social phobia, especially generalized social anxiety, has a known genetic component.
- Functional imaging suggests dopamine system abnormalities in social phobia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of dopamine receptor D2, D3, D4, and dopamine transporter gene polymorphisms in the etiology of social phobia.
- To test for linkage between these dopamine-related genes and social phobia in multiplex families.
Main Methods:
- Examined polymorphisms in dopamine D2, D3, D4 receptor genes and the dopamine transporter gene.
- Utilized parametric and non-parametric methods to perform linkage analysis in 17 multiplex social phobia families.
Main Results:
- Linkage was excluded for all examined dopamine gene loci under a broad diagnostic category for social phobia.
- A non-significant positive LOD score (0.62) was observed for the D3 receptor gene under a medium diagnostic category.
- A major effect for each of the four dopamine gene markers was excluded under the broad diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The study excludes a major genetic effect of the investigated dopamine system genes on social phobia.
- Additional research on dopamine system genes is required to fully elucidate their potential role in social phobia.