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COMT Val108/158Met polymorphism and the modulation of task-oriented behavior in children with ADHD
Sarojini Sengupta1, Natalie Grizenko, Norbert Schmitz
1Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
The COMT Val(108/158)Met gene variant influences task-oriented behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, this genetic polymorphism does not affect how children with ADHD respond to methylphenidate (MPH) treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are linked to deficits in task-oriented behavior.
- The frontosubcortical dopamine pathway is implicated in ADHD.
- Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) modulates dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the COMT Val(108/158)Met polymorphism and task-oriented behavior in children with ADHD.
- To determine if the COMT Val(108/158)Met polymorphism influences the response to methylphenidate (MPH) treatment in these children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 188 Caucasian children with ADHD was assessed using the Restricted Academic Situation Scale (RASS) in a simulated academic setting.
- Participants underwent a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial involving placebo and MPH (0.5 mg/kg b.i.d.) treatment for one week each.
- Acute behavioral changes were evaluated using the RASS before and one hour after treatment administration on day 3 of each treatment week.
Main Results:
- Significant main effects of COMT genotype and MPH treatment on task-oriented behavior were observed.
- The COMT Val(108/158)Met polymorphism was found to modulate task-oriented behavior.
- No significant interaction between COMT genotype and MPH treatment response was detected.
Conclusions:
- The COMT Val(108/158)Met polymorphism plays a role in modulating task-oriented behavior in children with ADHD.
- This genetic variation does not appear to influence the effectiveness of methylphenidate treatment on task-oriented behavior in this population.
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