Abstract
Our study investigates the dependence of response monitoring and error detection on genetic influences modulating the serotonergic system. This was done using the event‐related potentials (ERPs) after error (Ne/ERN) and correct trials (Nc/CRN). To induce a sufficient amount of errors, a standard flanker task was used. The subjects (N = 94) were genotyped for the functional 5‐HT1A C(−1019)G polymorphism. The results show that the 5‐HT1A C(−1019)G polymorphism specifically modulates error detection. Neurophysiological modulations on error detection were paralleled by a similar modulation of response slowing after an error, reflecting the behavioral adaptation. The 5‐HT1A −1019 CC genotype group showed a larger Ne and stronger posterror slowing than the CG and GG genotype groups. More general processes of performance monitoring, as reflected in the Nc/CRN, were not affected. The finding that error‐specific processes, but not general response monitoring processes, are modulated by the 5‐HT1A C(−1019)G polymorphism is underlined by a wavelet analysis. In summary, the results suggest a specific effect of the 5‐HT1A C(−1019)G polymorphism on error monitoring, as reflected in the Ne, and suggest a neurobiological dissociation between processes of error monitoring and general response monitoring at the level of the serotonin 1A receptor system. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.