MAOA is associated with methylphenidate improvement of oppositional symptoms in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene has been extensively related to aggressive, impulsive and violent behaviours. Previous studies have documented the improvement of oppositional symptoms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients with methylphenidate (MPH). However, the effect of the MAOA gene in response to MPH has not been investigated. A sample of 85 boys from an ADHD outpatient service was genotyped for the MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism. The outcome measure was the parent-rated oppositional subscale of the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Scale – version IV. The scale was applied by child psychiatrists blinded to genotype at baseline and in the first and third months of treatment. A significant interaction between the presence of MAOA high-activity genotype and treatment with MPH over time on oppositional scores was detected during the 3 months’ treatment (n=85, F2,136=4.83, p=0.009). These results suggest an effect of the MAOA-uVNTR high-activity genotype on the improvement of oppositional symptoms with MPH treatment.