Gender differences in the association between a serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and psychopathology

Numerous studies have implicated the serotonin transporter gene in influencing risk for various types of psychopathology (e.g., depression, anxiety) and associated traits (e.g., neuroticism, aggression). However, the literature in this area has been plagued by inconsistencies in findings, leading to a developing interest in establishing moderating and mediating variables affecting the gene-psychopathology association. This study investigates the potential moderating role of gender, with the expectation that the short allele of the serotonin transporter gene is more strongly associated with risk for psychopathology in males than females. Four hundred twenty undergraduate participants provided DNA samples and completed questionnaire packets assessing current symptoms, history of diagnosis, and family history of psychopathology. No significant main effect of serotonin transporter genotype was found, but results do provide some preliminary support for a gender-genotype interaction as predictive of psychopathology, particularly depression.