The role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor genotype and parenting in early life in predicting externalizing and internalizing symptoms in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Background We aimed to determine whether early parenting is associated with externalizing and internalizing symptoms in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and whether such an association is affected by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) val66met polymorphism.

Methods The participants included 92 patients with ADHD aged 6–15 years. Measures of parenting in early life and externalizing and internalizing symptoms and the genotype of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism were obtained.

Results The degree to which the babys autonomy was allowed was significantly and negatively correlated with the CDI scores in ADHD children (r = −0.38, p = 0.005). After adjusting for the childs gender, the childs age, the familys gross annual income, and the maternal education level, there was a significant interaction for the BDNF genotype and mothers positive feelings about caring in relation to the development of childhood anxiety/depression in ADHD children (F = 2.51, p = 0.011).

Conclusions Our results provide evidence of an interaction between the BDNF met allele and early parenting on the development of depression/anxiety symptoms.