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The Dopamine Receptor D4 Gene (DRD4) Moderates Family Environmental Effects on ADHD

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Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prime candidate for exploration of gene-by-environment interaction (i.e., G x E), particularly in relation to dopamine system genes, due to strong evidence that dopamine systems are dysregulated in the disorder. Using a G x E design, we examined whether the DRD4 promoter 120-bp tandem repeat polymorphism, previously associated with ADHD, moderated the effects of inconsistent parenting and marital conflict on ADHD or Oppositional-Defiant Disorder (ODD). Participants were 548 children with ADHD and non-ADHD comparison children and their parents. Homozygosity for the DRD4 promoter 120-bp tandem repeat insertion allele increased vulnerability for ADHD and ODD only in the presence of inconsistent parenting and appeared to increase susceptibility to the influence of increased child self-blame for marital conflict on ADHD inattention. DRD4 genotypes may interact with these proximal family environmental risk factors by increasing the individual’s responsivity to environmental contingencies.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by NIH National Institute of Mental Health Grants R01-MH63146, MH59105, and MH70542. We are indebted to the families and staff who made this study possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Drive; 2005 Geology & Psychology Building, New Orleans, LA, 70148, USA

    Michelle M. Martel

  2. Psychology Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Molly Nikolas

  3. Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Katherine Jernigan & Karen Friderici

  4. Psychology Department, Emory University, Druid Hills, GA, USA

    Irwin Waldman

  5. Psychiatry Department, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA

    Joel T. Nigg

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  1. Michelle M. Martel
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  2. Molly Nikolas
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Correspondence to Michelle M. Martel.

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Martel, M.M., Nikolas, M., Jernigan, K. et al. The Dopamine Receptor D4 Gene (DRD4) Moderates Family Environmental Effects on ADHD. J Abnorm Child Psychol 39, 1–10 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-010-9439-5

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