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Schizotypy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dopamine genes
Ulrich Ettinger1, Ridha Joober, Rosherrie DE Guzman
1Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK. u.ettinger@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|November 18, 2006
Summary
This study found a link between schizotypal traits and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Specific gene variations, particularly in the COMT gene, were associated with ADHD features in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Schizophrenia and ADHD share overlapping symptoms and potential genetic links.
- Schizotypal personality traits may represent a transdiagnostic phenotype between these disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between schizotypal personality traits, ADHD symptoms, and genetic polymorphisms in dopamine-related genes.
- To explore the role of specific gene variants in the manifestation of ADHD features.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one healthy Caucasian males completed self-report measures for schizotypal cognition (RISC) and ADHD symptoms (ASRS).
- Genotyping was performed for COMT Val158Met, DRD3 Ser9Gly, DRD4 VNTR, and SLC6A3 VNTR polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between RISC and ASRS scores (r = 0.54, P = 0.003).
- Individuals with the COMT Met/Met genotype exhibited higher ASRS scores compared to Val/Val homozygotes (P = 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Findings support the proposed overlap between schizophrenia and ADHD.
- The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype appears to be involved in ADHD symptomatology.
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