Modification of Depression by COMT val(158)met Polymorphism in Children Exposed to Early Severe Psychosocial Deprivation

• NCJ Number: 231242
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2010 Pages: 387-395
• Author(s): Stacy S. Drury; Katherine P. Theall; Anna T. Smyke; Bronya J.B. Keats; Helen L. Egger; Charles A. Nelson; Nathan A. Fox; Peter J. Marshall; Charles H. Zeanah
• Date Published: June 2010
• Length: 9 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Eli Lilly and Co
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the interaction between the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val(158)met polymorphism and early social depressive symptoms in children at 54 months of age raised in institutions.

Abstract

This study provided support for the role of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val(158)met in the etiology of depressive symptoms, especially in the context of negative early life exposure. The results of the study support the hypothesis that individual genetic differences may explain some of the variability in recovery amongst children exposed to early severe social deprivation. Early, severe social deprivation due to institutional rearing has been found in past research to be a risk factor for a variety of cognitive growth and social/emotional difficulties. Participants of the study consisted of 136 children enrolled in the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP). Two hypotheses were explored. The first hypothesized that the COMT val(158)met polymorphism would influence the development of depressive symptoms in these children. The second hypothesized that the impact of COMT variation would differ between the institutionalized group and the foster care group, such that in those children exposed to a more negative and stressful environment would be a larger impact of genetic variation. Figure, tables, and references