Association of a polymorphism of the dopamine transporter gene with externalizing behavior problems and associated temperament traits: A longitudinalstudy from infancy to the mid-teens

There have been reports that a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) pol ymorphism situated in the 3 ' untranslated region of the dopamine transport er gene is associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. On the basis of these findings, we predicted an association of this polymorphism with hyperactivity, other externalizing behavior problems, and related temp erament traits in a general population sample. The association was investig ated using children participating in a longitudinal study of childhood temp erament and development. DNA was taken from 660 children who had been asses sed for temperament from 4-8 months to 15-16 years, and for behavior proble ms from 3-4 to 15-16 years. No significant associations were found at any a ge. There are a number of methodological differences from earlier studies t hat might explain the lack of associations with hyperactivity. It is also p ossible that the earlier findings are not replicable. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss,I nc.