Serotonin transporter polymorphism and borderline or antisocial traits among low-income young adults

Abstract

Objectives The short allele of the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5HTTLPR) has been associated with anxiety, major depressive disorder, and suicidality. The impulsive self- and other-damaging behaviors seen in borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (APD) also have substantial comorbidity with depression but are associated with more severe environmental stressors. This study tested the hypothesis of an association between the short allele of the 5HTTLPR and borderline or antisocial traits in young adulthood. Methods The 5HTTLPR was genotyped among 96 young adults from low- to moderate-income families (62 without and 34 with BPD or APD features). Features of borderline and antisocial personality disorder were assessed with the Structured Clinical interview for Diagnosis (SCID)-Axis II. Results The number of short 5HTTLPR alleles was significantly related to incidence of BPD or APD traits, as well as to each set of traits independently. Male gender and quality of care in infancy were also associated with incidence of BPD and APD traits but did not account for the association with the short allele. Depressive disorders were not associated with the short allele in this sample. Conclusions Young adults of lower socioeconomic status who carry the short 5HTTLPR allele may be especially vulnerable to developing antisocial or borderline traits by young adulthood.