Cathechol-O-methyltransferase Val(158)Met polymorphism is associated with disruptive behavior disorders among children and adolescents with ADHD.

ABSTRACT

COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism has been associated with both symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) that is, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) often comorbid with ADHD. The aim of this study was to test the association between COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism and the presence of DBD in children with ADHD (n = 516). Homozygous Val/Val children showed a higher prevalence of ADHD comorbid with DBD (χ(2) = 5.762; p = 0.016; OR = 1.58; CI(95%) = 1.07-2.35). Our findings replicate previous results and suggest a role for COMT in the etiology of DBD in children and adolescents with ADHD.