How possible is the development of an operational psychometric method to assess the presence of the 5-HTTLPR s allele? Equivocal preliminary findings

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>The s allele of the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene has been found to be associated with neuroticism-related traits, affective temperaments and response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment. The aim of the current study was to develop a psychometric tool that could at least partially substitute for laboratory testing and could predict the presence of the s allele.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study included 138 women of Caucasian origin, mean 32.20 ± 1.02 years old. All subjects completed the Hungarian standardised version of the Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) instrument and were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR using PCR. The statistical analysis included the calculation of the Index of Discrimination (D), Discriminant Function Analysis, creation of scales on the basis of the above and then item analysis and calculation of sensitivity and specificity.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Four indices were eventually developed, but their psychometric properties were relatively poor and their joint application did not improve the outcome.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We could not create a scale that predicts the 5-HTTLPR genotype with sufficient sensitivity and specificity, therefore we could not substitute a psychometric scale for laboratory genetic testing in predicting genotype, and also possibly affective disorder characterisation and treatment.</p

Suicidal ideation in adult ADHD: Gender difference with a specific psychopathological profile.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate suicidal ideation (SI) in patients with adult ADHD (aADHD), and its association with gender and psychopathology. METHODS: Case-control study with 206 participants (patients=103/healthy controls=103; matched on gender, age, and education). SI was assessed by the Beck-I Depression-Inventory. The Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) was used to characterize the ADHD symptom-domains. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the likelihood of SI was significantly higher in females with ADHD (odds ratio[OR]=25.0 (95%CI:2.98-200.0); the difference was not significant in males (OR=2.09 (95%CI:0.75-5.81). In females, "Problems with Self-Concept" scores on the CAARS showed the closest association with SI (OR=5.60,95%CI:2.34-13.41]), while in males it was "Impulsivity" scores (OR=3.01,95%CI:1.50-6.06). CONCLUSION: Our findings extend previously described transdiagnostic associations of specific psychopathological risk factors to aADHD, including problems with self-concept and impulsivity, which are robustly associated with suicidality across diagnostic boundaries. In addition, they indicate that these associations exhibit pronounced gender-specificity in aADHD