Monoamine oxidase a promoter gene associated with problem behavior in adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2009 Jul;114(4):269-73. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-114.4.269-273.

Abstract

A functional polymorphism in the promoter of the gene encoding monoamine oxidase A has been associated with problem behavior in various populations. We examined the association of MAOA alleles in adult males with intellectual/developmental disabilities with and without established histories of problem behavior. These data were compared with a gender, ethnicity, and age-matched contrast sample. About 43% (15/35) of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and problem behavior possessed the low-efficiency version of the MAOA gene. In comparison, 20% (7/35) of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and no problem behavior and 20% (7/35) of the contrast group had the short-allele MAOA polymorphism. Therefore, a common variant in the MAOA gene may be associated with problem behavior in adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alleles*
  • Comorbidity
  • Developmental Disabilities / epidemiology
  • Developmental Disabilities / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis
  • Intellectual Disability / epidemiology
  • Intellectual Disability / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Minisatellite Repeats / genetics
  • Monoamine Oxidase / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Monoamine Oxidase