Mitigating aggressiveness through education? The monoamine oxidase A genotype and mental health in general population. Issue 1 (18th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kiive, Evelyn; Laas, Kariina; Akkermann, Kirsti; Comasco, Erika; Oreland, Lars; Veidebaum, Toomas; Harro, Jaanus
• Is Part Of: Acta neuropsychiatrica. Volume 26:Issue 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2013-07-18
• Subjects: Neuropsychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1017/neu.2013.34
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-2708

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="abs1" sec-type="general"> <title>Objective</title> <p>Monoamine oxidase A (<italic>MAOA</italic>) gene promoter region includes a variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) associated with antisocial behaviour in adverse environment. We have examined the effect of the <italic>MAOA</italic>-uVNTR on mental health and academic success by using a population representative sample and a longitudinal design.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs2" sec-type="methods"> <title>Methods</title> <p>The data of the older cohort (<italic>n</italic> = 593, aged 15 years at the original sampling) of the longitudinal Estonian Children Personality, Behaviour and Health Study (ECPBHS) were used. Follow-ups were conducted at ages 18 and 25 years. Aggressiveness, inattention and hyperactivity were reported by class teachers or, at older age, self-reported. Stressful life events, psychological environment in the family and interactions between family members were self-reported. Data of general mental abilities and education were obtained at the age of 25, and lifetime psychiatric disorder assessment was carried out with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) interview.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs3" sec-type="results"> <title>Results</title> <p> <italic>MAOA</italic>-uVNTR genotype had no independent effect on aggressiveness, hyperactive and inattentive symptoms, and neither was there a genotype interaction with adverse life events. Interestingly, the proportion of male subjects with higher education by the age of 25 was significantly larger among those with <italic>MAOA</italic> low-activity alleles (χ<sup>2</sup> = 7.13; <italic>p</italic> = 0.008). Logistic regression revealed that <italic>MAOA</italic> low-activity alleles, higher mental abilities, occurrence of anxiety disorders and absence of substance-use disorder were significant independent predictors for higher education in male subjects.</p> </sec> <sec id="abs4" sec-type="conclusion"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>In a population representative sample of young subjects, the <italic>MAOA</italic>-uVNTR 'risk genotype' predicted better life outcomes as expressed in higher level of education.</p> </sec> </abstract>