Conduct Disorder Research Links: II

Here are some additional links to important recent research in conduct disorder.

Click on the title to be directed to the abstract. Many of the abstracts also have links to the free full-text manuscripts.

Age of onset for CD

This twin study examined the correlates of childhood versus adolescent onset conduct disorder. Both types showed a strong genetic influence (62% and 65%). Childhood onset CD was strongly linked to adult antisocial behavior while adolescent onset CD was not. A specific genetic factor was felt to contribute to a combined CD/ADHD phenotype.

Sex difference in pathway to major depression

Twenty developmental risk factors were examined for contribution to later major depression in a series of opposite-sex twins. The authors identified conduct disorder as a stronger predictor of depression in males. Financial, legal and occupational life events also uniquely contributed a strong influence for depression risk in men.

Conduct disorder and evoked auditory P300 brain waves

This study looked at an evoked brain wave potential (known as the P300) as a biomarker for conduct disorder risk. Reduced P300 amplitude was linked to conduct disorder symptoms. Both reduced P300 and conduct disorder appeared related to a genetic contribution.

Brain structure and adolescent disruptive behavior disorder

A group of adults adolescents with externalizing disorders were compared to a control group using MRI and diffusion tensor imaging. Disruptive behavior disorder was linked to delayed white matter maturation in the corpus callosum and superior longitudinal fasciculus.

Reduced cortical surface area in adolescents with conduct disorder

This study found a reduced cortical volume and cortical surface area in the brain prefrontal cortex of adolescents with a conduct disorder diagnosis. They note these findings may help identify neurodevelopmental mechanisms in the disorder.

Early intervention effects on psychopathology, crime and well-being

Kindergartners in this study were screened for conduct disorder and randomly assigned to a 10-year intervention versus control. At 25 years of age, the intervention group had a lower rate of and psychiatric disorder 59% versus 69%. Intervention subjects also had lower scores on violent and drug crime behavior. Another study using this cohort found lower scores on adolescent conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder compared to controls.

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