Alcohol Consumption Is Associated with an Interaction between DRD2 Exon 8 A/A Genotype and Self-Directedness in Males
Neuropsychobiology 2007;56:24-31





Both reduced postsynaptic dopamine D₂ receptor function and the character variable self-directedness (SDD) are related to the level of alcohol consumption.

We examined for interactions between DRD2 exon 8(rs6276), a polymorphism which has been associated with various alcohol-related phenotypes, SDD and alcohol consumption.

Male probands with A/A genotype reported significantly higher alcohol consumption in a typical week; those with A/A genotype and low SDD showed particularly high consumption levels. Alcohol dependence/abuse (DSM-IV) but not nicotine dependence was also relevant for higher alcohol consumption. In the female group, only alcohol disorders predicted alcohol consumption.

Our findings support a role for a gene-personality interaction of DRD2 exon 8 × SDD in alcohol consumption in males.


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