Association between a promoter dopamine D 2 receptor gene variant and the personality trait detachment

Abstract

Background Personality traits have shown considerable heritable components. Striatal dopamine D 2 receptor density, as determined by positron-emission tomography, has been associated with detached personality, as assessed by the Karolinska Scales of Personality. A putative functional promoter polymorphism in the dopamine D 2 receptor gene ( DRD2), –141C ins/del, has been associated with dopamine D 2 receptor density. Methods In this study healthy subjects ( n = 235) who filled in at least one of several personality questionnaires (Karolinska Scales of Personality, Swedish Universities Scales of Personality, Health-relevant Five-factor Personality Inventory, and Temperament and Character Inventory) were analyzed with regard to the DRD2 –141C ins/del variant. Results There was an association ( p = .001) between the DRD2 –141C ins/del variant and Karolinska Scales of Personality Detachment scale, indicating higher scores in subjects with the –141C del variant. There were also associations between the DRD2 –141C ins/del variant and a number of Karolinska Scales of Personality and Swedish Universities Scales of Personality Neuroticism-related scales, but of these only Swedish Universities Scales of Personality Lack of Assertiveness scale ( p = .001) survived correction for multiple testing. Conclusions These results add further support for the involvement of dopamine D 2 receptor in certain personality traits. The results should be treated with caution until replicated.