This hypothesis is currently being tested in a randomized trial. The more we understand about vulnerabilities, risks, and protective factors, the better able we will be to help people stop smoking. The polymorphism has two alleles, one designated the short, or S, allele, the other the long, or L allele. They found that neuroticism was associated with increased nicotine dependence, smoking for stimulation, and smoking to relieve negative mood in the group of smokers who had the S allele. Among smokers with the L allele, neuroticism was not associated with these smoking patterns.
Many genes interact with each other and with other biological and environmental factors.
Defining these interactions and understanding their influence on nicotine addiction will be crucial to development of treatments for smoking and for other addictions. Sources Kendler, K., et al. A population-based twin study in women of smoking initiation and nicotine dependence. Evidence suggesting the role of specific genetic factors in cigarette smoking. Interacting effects of the serotonin transporter gene and neuroticism in smoking practices and nicotine dependence.