Serotonin transporter and GABAA alpha 6 receptor variants are associated with neuroticism.

BACKGROUND: A tendency to experience negative affect, as measured by the neuroticism component of the Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness Personality Inventory (NEO-PI), is a trait marker for major depression. Epidemiologic studies indicate a strong genetic component, but to date few specific genetic variants have been definitively implicated. A serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) has been extensively studied in neuroticism and several psychiatric disorders, with inconclusive results. A GABA(A) receptor alpha6 subunit variant (Pro385Ser) has been associated with alcohol-related traits but has not been studied in neuroticism or depression. METHODS: A total of 384 subjects who completed the NEO-PI were genotyped at 5-HTTLPR and Pro385Ser. Associations between polymorphisms and both alcohol use and personality domains were tested. RESULTS: The 5-HTTLPR short allele (p =.008) and Pro385Ser Pro allele (p =.003) are associated with higher neuroticism scores. The 5-HTTLPR long allele (p =.006), but not Pro385Ser, is also associated with an increased presence of alcohol use. In addition, there is a nonsignificant suggestion of an interaction: the effect of 5-HTTLPR on neuroticism might be dependent on the Pro385Ser genotype. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a role for the serotonin transporter and GABA(A) alpha6 subunit in depression-related traits.     

The relationship between personality and quality of life in persons with schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of personality traits as measured by the NEO-PI on the quality of life (QOL) of persons with schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. The premise of this research is that personality traits may be important in shaping one's outlook and satisfaction with life. In a prior pilot study, personality traits were measured in persons with schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. In this study, the relationship between QOL and specific personality domains as assessed by the NEO-PI were studied in 21 patients. Global QOL as measured by the Lehman QOL instrument was positively correlated with Extroversion (E) and Agreeableness (A), and negatively correlated with the domain of Neuroticism (N). Global satisfaction scores were not correlated with ratings of psychoticism, paranoia or depression. These data suggest that even in psychotic conditions such as schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia, intrapsychic factors influence one's sense of QOL. In addition, these data suggest that personality variables may differentially affect patients' satisfaction and QOL with different treatment settings.     

警察的应对方式与心理健康、人格特征的相关分析

目的 :探讨警察的应对方式与其心理健康状况及人格特征的关系。方法 :对 6 10 7名深圳警察进行了简易应对方式问卷 (SCSQ)、症状自评量表 (SCL -90 )及五因素人格量表 (NEO -PI)的调查。结果 :警察在SCSQ中的积极应对维度得分与SCL -90中的所有 10个因子以及NEO -PI的中的神经质维度的得分存在明显负相关 ,并与NEO -PI中的严谨性、开放性、外向性、顺同性维度得分存在正相关 ;消极应对维度得分则与SCL -90中的所有 10个因子以及NEO -PI中的神经质维度的得分存在明显正相关 ,并与NEO -PI中的严谨性、开放性、外向性、顺同性维度得分存在负相关。结论 :警察的应对方式与其人格特征存在明显的相关关系 ,并可在某种程度上影响其心理健康状况     

Association of dental anxiety to personality traits in a general population sample of Finnish university students

Abstract

Objective. To estimate the association between personality and dental anxiety among Finnish University students. Materials and methods. A total of 880 university students in Finland returned the questionnaires addressing dental anxiety by using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) questionnaire. In addition, the personality of traits (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience) were noted. Personality traits of students were compared with the level (high, mild or none) of dental anxiety derived from the MDAS questionnaire. The relative odds of dental anxiety associated with the level of dental anxiety were estimated by logistic regression, Chi-Square tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. Median age of the respondents was 22 years. Of the respondents, 99 (11.3%) were classified as dentally anxious patients (90, 12.2% of females; 9, 6.6% of males)). Neuroticism was the only personality trait that was significantly associated with dental fear (p < 0.001). A tendency, although not significant, was seen between high dental fear and lower extraversion and agreeableness. Conclusions. Of the five different personality traits, neuroticism was a significant risk factor for developing dental anxiety, and this should be recognized in clinical practice.