Association of a polymorphism of the dopamine transporter gene with externalizing behavior problems and associated temperament traits: A longitudinal study from infancy to the mid‐teens

There have been reports that a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism situated in the 3′ untranslated region of the dopamine transporter gene is associated with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder. On the basis of these findings, we predicted an association of this polymorphism with hyperactivity, other externalizing behavior problems, and related temperament traits in a general population sample. The association was investigated using children participating in a longitudinal study of childhood temperament and development. DNA was taken from 660 children who had been assessed for temperament from 4–8 months to 15–16 years, and for behavior problems from 3–4 to 15–16 years. No significant associations were found at any age. There are a number of methodological differences from earlier studies that might explain the lack of associations with hyperactivity. It is also possible that the earlier findings are not replicable. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.