Mitigating aggressiveness through education? The monoamine oxidase A genotype and mental health in general population
Abstract
Objective: Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene promoter region includes a variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) associated with antisocial behaviour in adverse environment. We have examined the effect of the MAOA-uVNTR on mental health and academic success by using a population representative sample and a longitudinal design. Methods: The data of the older cohort (n = 593, aged 15 years at the original sampling) of the longitudinal Estonian Children Personality, Behaviour and Health Study (ECPBHS) were used. Follow-ups were conducted at ages 18 and 25 years. Aggressiveness, inattention and hyperactivity were reported by class teachers or, at older age, self-reported. Stressful life events, psychological environment in the family and interactions between family members were self-reported. Data of general mental abilities and education were obtained at the age of 25, and lifetime psychiatric disorder assessment was carried out with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) interview. Results: MAOA-uVNTR genotype had no independent effect on aggressiveness, hyperactive and inattentive symptoms, and neither was there a genotype interaction with adverse life events. Interestingly, the proportion of male subjects with higher education by the age of 25 was significantly larger among those with MAOA low-activity alleles (χ 2 = 7.13; p = 0.008). Logistic regression revealed that MAOA low-activity alleles, higher mental abilities, occurrence of anxiety disorders and absence of substance-use disorder were significant independent predictors for higher education in male subjects. Conclusions: In a population representative sample of young subjects, the MAOA-uVNTR ‘risk genotype’ predicted better life outcomes as expressed in higher level of education.
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The majority of studies reported no significant main effects for MAOA gene variants on childhood aggression.
“It should be noted, however, that the majority of studies reported no significant main effects for MAOA gene variants on childhood aggression [48].”
From Genetics of child aggression, a systematic review (2024) · cites this paper as [48]
There was no significant association between MAOA-uVNTR and aggression.
“NS association between MAOA-uVNTR and aggression”
From Genetics of child aggression, a systematic review (2024) · cites this paper as Kiive [48]
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Kolla, N. J., & Bortolato, M. (2020) · Progress in Neurobiology · doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101875 · Cited by 138 · see citing works
Genetics of child aggression, a systematic review
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- Authors
- Kiive, E., Laas, K., Akkermann, K., Comasco, E., Oreland, L., Veidebaum, T., & Harro, J.
- Affiliations
- University of Tartu (EE)
- Corresponding author
- Kiive, Evelyn
- Venue
- Acta Neuropsychiatrica
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2013-07-18
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 19-28
- ISSN
- 0924-2708 (ISSN-L)
- 1601-5215
- OpenAlex
- W2113319730
- Cited by
- 16
- References
- 53
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 2
- FWCI
- 1.14
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Acta Neuropsychiatrica (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Eesti Teadusfondi
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Keywords
- monoamine oxidase A, variable number tandem repeats, aggression, antisocial behavior, hyperactivity, inattention, mental health, educational attainment, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, general intelligence, life events, family environment, sex differences
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Aggression, Educational Status, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Genotype, Humans, Male, Mental Health, Monoamine Oxidase, Cohort Studies, Tandem Repeat Sequences, Young Adult
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