Dopamine reward sensitivity (DRD2 Taq1A)

This variant near the dopamine D2-receptor gene (the Taq1A 'A1' allele) is linked to having fewer D2 receptors and has been studied for reward sensitivity and addiction tendencies. The associations are real but small and debated, so it is far from destiny.

Possible results

No A1 (typical reward signalling). You don't carry the Taq1A 'A1' variant, so as far as this marker shows, your dopamine D2-receptor signalling is in the typical range. Reward and addiction tendencies depend on many genes and your environment, so this single marker says little.

One A1 copy. You carry one copy of the Taq1A 'A1' variant near the dopamine D2-receptor gene, loosely linked to slightly fewer D2 receptors and a bit more reward-seeking or addiction susceptibility. The effect is small and debated, so it's a nudge at most, not a verdict.

Two A1 copies. You have two copies of the Taq1A 'A1' variant, associated with lower dopamine D2-receptor density in some studies and studied for reward sensitivity and addiction tendencies. The evidence is mixed and effects are small, so habits and environment matter far more.

Evidence & sources

Across global populations, about 5% of people carry two copies of this variant, and about 61% carry none.

Related

BDNF memory & stress variant (Val66Met) · Coffee consumption · COMT "warrior vs worrier" (stress & dopamine) · Morning vs evening preference (CLOCK) · Nicotine dependence / cigarettes per day · Oxytocin receptor / empathy tendency