The dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) moderates family environmental effects on ADHD

Michelle M. Martel, Molly Nikolas, Katherine Jernigan, Karen Friderici, Irwin Waldman, Joel T. Nigg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prime candidate for exploration of gene-by-environment interaction (i.e., G x E), particularly in relation to dopamine system genes, due to strong evidence that dopamine systems are dysregulated in the disorder. Using a G x E design, we examined whether the DRD4 promoter 120-bp tandem repeat polymorphism, previously associated with ADHD, moderated the effects of inconsistent parenting and marital conflict on ADHD or Oppositional-Defiant Disorder (ODD). Participants were 548 children with ADHD and non-ADHD comparison children and their parents. Homozygosity for the DRD4 promoter 120-bp tandem repeat insertion allele increased vulnerability for ADHD and ODD only in the presence of inconsistent parenting and appeared to increase susceptibility to the influence of increased child self-blame for marital conflict on ADHD inattention. DRD4 genotypes may interact with these proximal family environmental risk factors by increasing the individual's responsivity to environmental contingencies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology
Volume39
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Acknowledgements This research was supported by NIH National Institute of Mental Health Grants R01-MH63146, MH59105, and MH70542. We are indebted to the families and staff who made this study possible.

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • Attention
  • Environmental effects
  • Genetics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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