The 7-Repeat (7R) Variant of the DRD4 Gene and Ways of Coping with Stress in Medical Professionals—A Preliminary Study

How we deal with stress and certain traits of our personality can be influenced not only by psycho-social factors, but also by biological factors, including genetics. Research studies suggest that the long allele of the <i>DRD4</i> gene (<i>DRD4</i>-7R) is associated with novelty seeking and risk taking-features potentially important for healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to assess the <i>DRD4</i>-7R polymorphism and its impact on propensity for risk taking and ways of coping with stress in medical professionals This preliminary study involved 82 volunteers from among active healthcare professionals, including 33 medical doctors (MDs). All participants were asked to fill out psychological questionnaires for assessment of their stress-coping strategies (Mini-COPE) and risk-taking propensity (IVE). A swab of the inside of the cheek was taken from the study participants to determine the polymorphism within the gene for the dopamine D4 receptor gene (<i>DRD4</i>). In our study, medical doctors (MDs) tend to have the <i>DRD4</i>-7R allele more often than other medical professionals. Our study also indicates that <i>DRD4</i>-R7 allele carriers are significantly less likely to use stimulants and other substances to help themselves with stress coping and less likely to expect emotional support. The <i>DRD4</i> gene polymorphism may be important for the development of specific personality traits and ways of coping with stress. However, further research with larger numbers of participants is needed.