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

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 baby’s 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 child’s gender, the child’s age, the family’s gross annual income, and the maternal education level, there was a significant interaction for the BDNF genotype and mother’s 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.