In:
Psychological Medicine, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 37, No. 11 ( 2007-11), p. 1651-1656
Abstract:
Exposure to stressful life events increases the risk of developing a psychotic disorder. Moreover, increased reactivity to stress seems to represent part of the vulnerability for psychosis. This study aimed to investigate whether a functional polymorphism in the catechol- O -methyltransferase (COMT Val 158 Met) gene moderates the psychosis-inducing effects of stress. Method A semi-experimental stress exposure paradigm was used in a sample of 306 genotyped young men (aged 19–24 years), in whom measures of psychotic symptoms were obtained at recruitment in the Greek army (exposed condition) and again after 18 months of military training (unexposed condition). Results Stress exposure at army induction was associated with an increased level of psychotic symptoms. In addition, carriers of the COMT Val 158 Met Val allele were more susceptible to the effect of stress on the psychosis outcome than those with the Met/Met genotype (test for interaction: χ 2 =5·02, df=1, p =0·025). Conclusion The COMT Val 158 Met genotype may moderate the effect of stress on psychotic symptoms.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0033-2917
,
1469-8978
DOI:
10.1017/S0033291707001080
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2007
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1470300-2
SSG:
5,2
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