Publications [#253336] of Terrie E. Moffitt

Journal Articles

1. Caspi, A; Moffitt, TE; Cannon, M; McClay, J; Murray, R; Harrington, H; Taylor, A; Arseneault, L; Williams, B; Braithwaite, A; Poulton, R; Craig, IW (2005). Moderation of the effect of adolescent-onset cannabis use on adult psychosis by a functional polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene: longitudinal evidence of a gene X environment interaction.. Biological psychiatry, 57(10), 1117-1127. [15866551], [doi]
   (last updated on 2024/04/23)

   Author's Comments:
   This paper was covered in the (London) Times, the Guardian, and Reuters syndicated newspapers. This article was featured in the May 2005 report from the Executive Office of the President of the USA, entitled “The Link Between Marijuana and Mental Illness.” This article was selected by Faculty 1000 of Medicine. This article was covered by Journal Watch Psychiatry, July 21, 2005.

   Abstract:
   

   Background

   Recent evidence documents that cannabis use by young people is a modest statistical risk factor for psychotic symptoms in adulthood, such as hallucinations and delusions, as well as clinically significant schizophrenia. The vast majority of cannabis users do not develop psychosis, however, prompting us to hypothesize that some people are genetically vulnerable to the deleterious effects of cannabis.

   Methods

   In a longitudinal study of a representative birth cohort followed to adulthood, we tested why cannabis use is associated with the emergence of psychosis in a minority of users, but not in others.

   Results

   A functional polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene moderated the influence of adolescent cannabis use on developing adult psychosis. Carriers of the COMT valine158 allele were most likely to exhibit psychotic symptoms and to develop schizophreniform disorder if they used cannabis. Cannabis use had no such adverse influence on individuals with two copies of the methionine allele.

   Conclusions

   These findings provide evidence of a gene x environment interaction and suggest that a role of some susceptibility genes is to influence vulnerability to environmental pathogens.