THE D-2 DOPAMINE-RECEPTOR GENE AS A DETERMINANT OF REWARD DEFICIENCY SYNDROME

The dopaminergic system, and in particular the dopamine D-2 receptor, has been profoundly implicated in reward mechanisms in the brain, Dysf unction of the D-2 dopamine receptors leads to aberrant substance seek ing behaviour (alcohol, drug, tobacco, and food) and other related beh aviours (pathological gambling, Tourette's syndrome, and attention def icit hyperactivity disorder). We propose that variants of the D-2 dopa mine receptor gene are important common genetic determinants of the 'r eward deficiency syndrome'.