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Mitigating aggressiveness through education? The monoamine oxidase A genotype and mental health in general population

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2013

Evelyn Kiive ,
Kariina Laas ,
Kirsti Akkermann ,
Erika Comasco ,
Lars Oreland ,
Toomas Veidebaum  and
Jaanus Harro
Evelyn Kiive*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tiigi 78, Tartu 50410, Estonia
Kariina Laas
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tiigi 78, Tartu 50410, Estonia
Kirsti Akkermann
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tiigi 78, Tartu 50410, Estonia
Erika Comasco
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tiigi 78, Tartu 50410, Estonia
Lars Oreland
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tiigi 78, Tartu 50410, Estonia
Toomas Veidebaum
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tiigi 78, Tartu 50410, Estonia
Jaanus Harro
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tiigi 78, Tartu 50410, Estonia
*
Evelyn Kiive, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tiigi 78, Tartu 50410, Estonia. Tel: +372 7 375 908; Fax: +372 7 375 900; E-mail: evelyn.kiive@ut.ee
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Abstract

Objective

Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) 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 MAOA-uVNTR on mental health and academic success by using a population representative sample and a longitudinal design.

Methods

The data of the older cohort (n = 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.

Results

MAOA-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 MAOA low-activity alleles (χ2 = 7.13; p = 0.008). Logistic regression revealed that MAOA 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.

Conclusions

In a population representative sample of young subjects, the MAOA-uVNTR ‘risk genotype’ predicted better life outcomes as expressed in higher level of education.

Keywords

aggressivenessanxiety disordereducationmonoamine oxidase A
Type
Original Articles
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , February 2014 , pp. 19 - 28
Copyright
Copyright © Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2013 

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