• Colin G. Deyoung
  • Marya Getchell
  • Roman A. Koposov
  • Carolyn M. Yrigollen
  • Gerald J. Haeffel
  • Britt Af Klinteberg
  • Lars Oreland
  • Vladislav V. Ruchkin
  • Andrew J. Pakstis
  • Elena L. Grigorenko

Objective: Variation in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) has been associated with antisocial behavior in populations with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined whether COMT would predict antisocial behavior in a sample with high levels of behavior problems, not necessarily ADHD. In addition, because previous research suggests that COMT may be associated with ADHD in males, association between COMT and ADHD symptoms was examined. Method: This study tested whether variation in three polymorphisms of the COMT gene was predictive of symptoms of conduct disorder and ADHD, in a sample of 174 incarcerated Russian adolescent male delinquents. Results: The Val allele of the ValMet polymorphism was significantly associated with conduct disorder diagnosis and symptoms, whereas the Met allele was associated with ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: The ValMet polymorphism of the COMT gene shows a complex relation to behavior problems, influencing conduct disorder and ADHD symptoms in opposite directions in a high-risk population.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)20-24
Number of pages5
JournalPsychiatric Genetics
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010

    Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Genetics(clinical)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

    Research areas

  • Antisocial behavior, Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Catechol-O-methyltransferase, Conduct disorder, Genetics

ID: 87389777