• Dominic A Fitzgerald and David Isaacs.
• Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW. Dominif2@chw.edu.au
• Med. J. Aust. 2002 Apr 1; 176 (7): 339-40.

ObjectiveTo describe the genetic basis of various personality traits.DesignProspective, blinded cohort study comparing questionnaire-reported personality traits with candidate genes for temperament, as revealed by genetic mapping in the Human Genome Project. Non-supervised questionnaires were mailed to MJA subscribers. DNA extracted from newborn screening blood samples of all New South Wales participants was used to perform mutation analysis for candidate personality genes.SettingTertiary medical care in New South Wales, 1 April 2000 to 1 April 2001.ParticipantsHealthcare professionals who admitted to reading the MJA on at least a semi-regular (monthly) basis.Main Outcome MeasuresCorrelations between occupation, personality and gene mutations were sought using a LOD score in comparison with a classic Poisson d'avril distribution.ResultsMutations were identified that suggested the existence of genes determining several personality traits. Genes coding for belligerence (bel), charisma (lub), cynicism (dub), housekeeping (vac and uum), lack of personality (dul-1), obsessive-compulsive behaviour (pic-e) and gullibility (suk-r) are described. These were found to be selectively represented in certain members of the healthcare profession.ConclusionsThe seven most important healthcare personality genes have now been described for posterity.

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