DRD4 exon III polymorphism and response to risperidone in Israeli adolescents with schizophrenia: a pilot pharmacogenetic study

This study examined the possible association between the polymorphism in the dopamine receptor DRD4 gene and response to risperidone among 24 Israeli Jewish adolescent inpatients with first-episode schizophrenia. Response was categorically determined by a change of >40% on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). No significant association was found between the DRD4 genotype and clinical response, although carriers of <7 repeat alleles demonstrated higher response rate (10/20 vs. 0/4, P=0.11). Studies in larger groups of adolescent schizophrenia patients are warranted to clarify the possible association between DRD4 exon III repeat alleles and the response to risperidone. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V./ECNP All rights reserved.