Search for the influence of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TCAT)(n) repeat polymorphism on personality traits

A putatively functional tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism in the tyrosine hydroxylase gene (TH) has been investigated with regard to different aspec ts of psychopathology. We investigated whether reported associations of thi s TH polymorphism may reflect associations with common personality traits. Personality was assessed by the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised version ( NEO PI-R), in 205 healthy Caucasian volunteers. Tendencies for higher score s in the neuroticism (N) facets, Angry hostility (P = 0.008) and Vulnerabil ity (P = 0.021), were observed among carriers of one of the alleles (T8). H ealthy women with the T6/T10 genotype had significantly higher scores (P = 0.001) in the Deliberation and Dutifulness facets (P = 0.031) (the Conscien tiousness dimension, C) and lower scores (P = 0.031) in the Feelings facet (the Openness dimension, O). We concluded that: (1) higher mean scores in t he Neuroticism facets among T8 allele carriers are consistent with previous data and warrants further research; (2) the T6/T10 genotype may influence personality among women; (3) these data should be cautiously interpreted in the absence of corroborating data. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.