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Dopamine D4 receptor VNTR polymorphism associated with greater risk for substance abuse among adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders: Preliminary results
Author(s) -
Mallard Travis T.,
Doorley James,
EspositoSmythers Christianne L.,
McGeary John E.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/ajad.12320
Subject(s) - variable number tandem repeat , odds ratio , psychology , substance abuse , psychiatry , clinical psychology , medicine , genotype , genetics , gene , biology
Background and Objectives The variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism of the dopamine D4 receptor gene ( DRD4 ) has received considerable attention as a potential genetic contributor to addiction. However, is unclear whether the polymorphism is involved in developing general traits that lead to risky behavior or an intermediate phenotype more specific to substance use disorders. Association studies have produced equivocal results. To control for potential confounds, the present study examined whether the long variant of the DRD4 VNTR polymorphism (DRD4L) is associated with greater substance misuse in a homogenous clinical sample of youth with a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD). Methods Fifty‐one psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents (mean age = 14.86 years) with a DBD diagnosis were recruited as part of a larger study. Participants provided saliva samples for genotyping procedures after completing a diagnostic interview and an assessment battery. Results The odds of a substance use disorder diagnosis were significantly greater among DRD4L than DRD4S carriers (OR = 5.20, 95%CI:1.42–19.04, p = .01). Relative to DRD4S homozygotes, DRD4L carriers also reported greater marijuana use ( t = −2.68, p = .01) and hard drug use ( t = −2.26, p = .03). Discussion and Conclusions Although adolescents with DBDs are already at heightened risk for substance misuse, the present findings suggest that DRD4L further increases those odds. Scientific Significance As differences persisted even among a psychiatrically homogenous sample of impulsive and risk‐prone adolescents, the present findings suggest that DRD4L may be involved in the development of an intermediate phenotype specific to substance abuse (eg, cue‐elicited craving). (Am J Addict 2016;25:56–61)