Antisocial personality disorder is ill understood, and has several nature and nurture elements to it. While there are multiple aspects of someone's upbringing that are risk factors, such as poor living conditions or family history, the genetic component is not as well understood. One gene, often overlooked within the genetic studies themselves is COMT (1). This gene codes for the protein Catechol-O-Methyltransferase, which helps metabolize several neurotransmitters. An change in the gene, and thus alteration in the process, needs to be investigated in regards to its link to antisocial behavior.
Existing research shows a link between the Val158Met variant of COMT and aggressive behaviors, which are already known to have a strong genetic component. |