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Drunk bullying gene found

27.11.2015

Finnish scientists have identified a gene mutation whose carriers are prone to impulsive and reckless behavior when drunk.

The scientists used a large database of Finnish patients suffering from alcoholism and their relatives. The database was collected by psychiatrist Matti Virkkunen from the University of Helsinki. The researchers drew attention to a special group of people who always get drunk quickly and do "crazy" acts, and tried to find the biological basis of their behavior.

Psychiatrist Roope Tikkanen found that all members of the group have a mutation in the 5-HT2B gene, which is responsible for the assembly receptor for serotonin type 2B receptors (the latter allow neurons to respond to serotonin molecules).

Little is known about how these receptors work in the human body; scientists believe they are somehow related to impulsive behavior. The results of the study suggest that carriers of the mutation are more reckless when sober, often suffering from a lack of self-control and mood swings.

This mutation is present in 2,2 percent of the country's population (more than 100 thousand people). “Usually, the influence of one gene on behavioral traits is minimal. However, in this case, a strong impact is associated with the peculiarities of Finland: centuries of isolation created a homogeneous gene pool, and hereditary diseases are caused by a relatively small number of factors,” Tikkanen emphasized.

If the results are confirmed in a larger sample of patients suffering from poor self-control, scientists may recommend a range of preventive measures, including moderate alcohol consumption and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

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