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Published on: March 17, 2019
Interaction Between DRD2 rs1076560 Genotype and Stimulant Dependence on Impulsivity and Self-Reported ADHD Traits in
Milena Lachowicz1,2, Remigiusz Recław3, Jolanta Chmielowiec4
1Department and Clinic of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland.
Background And Objectives:
The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) plays a central role in fronto-striatal circuits regulating cognitive control and reward processing. The rs1076560 polymorphism alters receptor isoform expression, potentially modifying impulsivity and vulnerability to stimulant use disorders. We examined gene-environment interactions between rs1076560 and stimulant dependence in relation to impulsivity, ADHD traits, and hedonic capacity.
Methods:
A total of 517 men (235 stimulant-dependent, 282 controls) completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). Genotyping for rs1076560 was performed using real-time PCR, and two-way ANOVAs tested genotype-by-group effects.
Results:
Significant genotype-by-group interactions were observed across all BIS-11 subscales and ASRS scores. In the stimulant-dependent group, C/C homozygotes showed the highest levels of attentional impulsivity and attentional dysregulation compared to both A/C and C/C controls. In contrast, within the control group, A/A homozygotes demonstrated higher motor impulsivity, non-planning impulsivity, and BIS-11 total scores than C/C controls. No significant main effects or interactions were found for SHAPS scores.
Conclusions:
DRD2 rs1076560 moderates impulsivity-related traits through dopaminergic pathways relevant to executive dysfunction in stimulant use disorders. These findings highlight a neurobiological mechanism of addiction vulnerability and may inform precision approaches in neurology and psychiatry.
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