In:
Neuropsychobiology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 59, No. 3 ( 2009), p. 165-171
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 The serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) short allele confers a general sensitivity to environmental stimuli, and anger is suspected to have a direct influence on aggressive behavior in schizophrenia. In the present study, we investigated whether the 5-HTTLPR gene was associated with aggression and/or anger-related traits in schizophrenia. 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 A total of 103 schizophrenic patients, including 46 aggressive and 57 nonaggressive patients, were recruited from psychiatric hospitals in Korea. All of the aggressive patients had committed at least 2 significant violent acts requiring repeated confinement in each of the 2 weeks preceding study inclusion, as well as 2 or more serious assaults on others. Blood samples were collected from all patients for 5-HTTLPR genotyping, and all patients underwent clinical assessments for symptoms of schizophrenia, aggressive behavior and anger-related traits. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 There was no significant difference in the distribution of the 5-HTTLPR genotype/alleles between the aggressive and nonaggressive patients. Aggressive patients carrying the s allele exhibited more anger-related traits than those with the l/l homozygotes, but this difference was not significant after correction for multiple testing. Furthermore, there was a dose-dependent relationship between the s allele and high angry temperament subscale scores in the aggressive patients. 〈 i 〉 Conclusion: 〈 /i 〉 These findings seem to support the idea that 5-HTTLPR predisposes aggressive patients to exhibit more anger-related traits, though they do not support the existence of a direct association between 5-HTTLPR and aggressive behavior in schizophrenia in the Korean population; however, larger studies are needed.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0302-282X
,
1423-0224
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1483094-2
SSG:
5,2
SSG:
15,3
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