Top Research in Childhood Conduct Disorder: Reading Links

The monthly topic focus for May 2015 is conduct disorder.

Conduct disorder is a common behavioral problem in children and is a male predominant disorder.

Conduct disorder is important because of an elevated later risk for antisocial personality disorder, interpersonal violence and criminality.

Here are a few of the abstracts I am reviewing for more detailed review in the weeks ahead.

Clicking on the title will take you to the research abstract.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder: Neurodevelopment and genetics

This twin study examined comorbidities and genetic risk in the major childhood externalizing disorders (ODD and CD). Early social interaction problems predicted later externalizing problems for both girls and boys. Genetic contributions were high in all externalizing disorders in boys. Girls with CD has a somewhat lower genetic contribution to risk.

Prenatal smoking and the genetics of externalizing behavioral problems

This twin study examined effects of prenatal smoke exposure and genetic factors in the development of childhood externalizing disorders. The main finding was support for a gene-environment interaction where prenatal nicotine exposure appears to “prime” or enhance genetic risk for aggressive behavior.

Prevalence of mental disorders in six year old children

This Brazilian study assessed 3,585 six year olds for prevalence of the main types of mental disorders found in children. Anxiety disorders were the most common types of mental disorder (9%) but externalizing disorders (ODD and CD) were present in 2.6% of the population.

Global burden of disease for conduct disorder

The authors of this study attempted to estimate the Global Burden of Disease for conduct disorder. Conduct disorder was estimated to account for approximately 1% of the total years of disability. CD was ranked as a top 15 leading cause for disease burden in children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19.

Conduct disorder as a predictor for later alcohol problems

This twin study examined a series of development variables and later development of alcohol problem use. Different factors predictors predicted later alcohol problems for males and for females. Childhood conduct disorder was a strong predictor of later alcohol problems in males.

ODD as a risk factor for alcohol dependence

This case control study examined the contribution of ODD to adult alcohol dependence. ODD was identified as a risk factor for alcohol dependence even when controlling for potential confounding CD or ADHD diagnoses.

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