Association between genetic polymorphisms in the serotonergic system and comorbid personality disorders among patients with first-episode depression

J Pers Disord. 2014 Jun;28(3):365-78. doi: 10.1521/pedi_2013_27_123. Epub 2013 Dec 17.

Abstract

Studies on the association between genetic polymorphisms and personality disorders have provided inconsistent results. Using the "enriched sample method," the authors of the present study aimed to assess the association between polymorphisms in the serotonergic transmitter system and comorbid personality disorders in patients recently diagnosed with first-episode depression. A total of 290 participants were systematically recruited via the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register. Diagnoses of personality disorders were assessed by a SCID-II interview, and polymorphisms in the genes encoding the serotonin transporter, serotonin receptors 1A, 2A, 2C, and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 were genotyped. The authors found a significant effect of the length polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) on cluster B personality disorder (mainly borderline disorder), but no influence on cluster C personality disorder, and no associations between other polymorphisms and personality disorders. The study adds evidence to the effect of the serotonin transporter gene specifically on cluster B personality disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Comorbidity
  • Denmark / epidemiology
  • Depression / genetics
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Disorders / epidemiology
  • Personality Disorders / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Registries
  • Sampling Studies
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins