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Psychological Review Oct 1993A dual taxonomy is presented to reconcile 2 incongruous facts about antisocial behavior: (a) It shows impressive continuity over age, but (b) its prevalence changes... (Review)
Review
A dual taxonomy is presented to reconcile 2 incongruous facts about antisocial behavior: (a) It shows impressive continuity over age, but (b) its prevalence changes dramatically over age, increasing almost 10-fold temporarily during adolescence. This article suggests that delinquency conceals 2 distinct categories of individuals, each with a unique natural history and etiology: A small group engages in antisocial behavior of 1 sort or another at every life stage, whereas a larger group is antisocial only during adolescence. According to the theory of life-course-persistent antisocial behavior, children's neuropsychological problems interact cumulatively with their criminogenic environments across development, culminating in a pathological personality. According to the theory of adolescence-limited antisocial behavior, a contemporary maturity gap encourages teens to mimic antisocial behavior in ways that are normative and adjustive.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Child; Humans; Juvenile Delinquency; Male; Personality Development; Social Environment
PubMed: 8255953
DOI: No ID Found -
Progress in Neurobiology Nov 2020Over the past two decades, research has revealed that genetic factors shape the propensity for aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior. The best-documented gene... (Review)
Review
Over the past two decades, research has revealed that genetic factors shape the propensity for aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior. The best-documented gene implicated in aggression is MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A), which encodes the key enzyme for the degradation of serotonin and catecholamines. Congenital MAOA deficiency, as well as low-activity MAOA variants, has been associated with a higher risk for antisocial behavior (ASB) and violence, particularly in males with a history of child maltreatment. Indeed, the interplay between low MAOA genetic variants and early-life adversity is the best-documented gene × environment (G × E) interaction in the pathophysiology of aggression and ASB. Additional evidence indicates that low MAOA activity in the brain is strongly associated with a higher propensity for aggression; furthermore, MAOA inhibition may be one of the primary mechanisms whereby prenatal smoke exposure increases the risk of ASB. Complementary to these lines of evidence, mouse models of Maoa deficiency and G × E interactions exhibit striking similarities with clinical phenotypes, proving to be valuable tools to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying antisocial and aggressive behavior. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the knowledge on the involvement of MAOA in aggression, as defined by preclinical and clinical evidence. In particular, we show how the convergence of human and animal research is proving helpful to our understanding of how MAOA influences antisocial and violent behavior and how it may assist in the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for aggressive manifestations.
Topics: Aggression; Animals; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Behavior, Animal; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Monoamine Oxidase; Social Behavior; Violence
PubMed: 32574581
DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101875 -
Annual Review of Psychology Jan 2022Early-onset disruptive, aggressive, and antisocial behavior is persistent, can become increasingly serious as children grow older, and is difficult to change. In 2007,... (Review)
Review
Early-onset disruptive, aggressive, and antisocial behavior is persistent, can become increasingly serious as children grow older, and is difficult to change. In 2007, our group proposed a theoretical model highlighting the interplay between neurobiological deficits and cognitive and emotional functioning as mediators of the link between genetic influences and early social adversity, on the one hand, and antisocial behavioral problems in childhood, on the other. In this article, we review the post-2007 evidence relevant to this model. We discuss research on genetics/epigenetics, stress/arousal regulation, and emotion and executive functioning in support of the argument that antisocial children, especially those who persist in engaging in antisocial behavior as they grow older, have a range of neuropsychological characteristics that are important in explaining individual differences in the severity and persistence of antisocial behavior. Current clinical practice tends not to acknowledge these individual neuropsychological risk factors or to target them for intervention. We argue that aggressive and disruptive behavior in childhood should be regarded as a neurodevelopmental problem and that intervening at the level of mediating neuropsychological processes represents a promising way forward in tackling these serious behavioral problems.
Topics: Aggression; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Child; Emotions; Executive Function; Humans
PubMed: 34587779
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-052621-045243 -
Current Psychiatry Reports Dec 2013The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) classification of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) describes individuals who engage in repetitive... (Review)
Review
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) classification of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) describes individuals who engage in repetitive irresponsible, delinquent, and criminal behavior. The diagnosis is highly controversial, with many researchers and clinicians arguing that the category is too heterogeneous, overinclusive, and demonstrates considerable overlap with other disorders. This review focuses on recent studies that have improved our understanding of the characteristics of individuals who fit the ASPD definition by exploring how subtypes differ and how comorbid conditions influence the presentation of ASPD. In addition, we discuss research on the etiology of ASPD that has identified genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the development and persistence of antisocial behavior, and brain imaging research that has improved our understanding of the relationships between ASPD and other psychopathology. Finally, we discuss promising preliminary research on treatment for this disorder.
Topics: Antisocial Personality Disorder; Brain Mapping; Comorbidity; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Prefrontal Cortex
PubMed: 24249521
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-013-0427-7 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Aug 2018Antisocial behavior is a heterogeneous construct that can be divided into subtypes, such as antisocial personality and psychopathy. The adverse consequences of... (Review)
Review
Antisocial behavior is a heterogeneous construct that can be divided into subtypes, such as antisocial personality and psychopathy. The adverse consequences of antisocial behavior produce great burden for the perpetrators, victims, family members, and for society at-large. The pervasiveness of antisocial behavior highlights the importance of precisely characterizing subtypes of antisocial individuals and identifying specific factors that are etiologically related to such behaviors to inform the development of targeted treatments. The goals of the current review are (1) to briefly summarize research on the operationalization and assessment of antisocial personality and psychopathy; (2) to provide an overview of several existing treatments with the potential to influence antisocial personality and psychopathy; and (3) to present an approach that integrates and uses biological and cognitive measures as starting points to more precisely characterize and treat these individuals. A focus on integrating factors at multiple levels of analysis can uncover person-specific characteristics and highlight potential targets for treatment to alleviate the burden caused by antisocial behavior.
Topics: Antisocial Personality Disorder; Cognition; Humans; Individuality; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 27760372
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.10.010 -
The Journal of the American Academy of... Mar 2021Antisocial behavior and psychopathic traits are subject to complex patterns of inheritance, gene--environment interactive effects, and powerful environmental influences.... (Review)
Review
Antisocial behavior and psychopathic traits are subject to complex patterns of inheritance, gene--environment interactive effects, and powerful environmental influences. Yet genetic factors are important in the etiology of antisocial behavior and psychopathic traits, and identifying youth with an elevated genetic risk may lead to improved interventions and preventive efforts. Additionally, research revealing the importance of gene--environment interactions in the development of antisocial behavior and psychopathic traits should be harnessed to promote more rehabilitative, developmentally appropriate policies to benefit youth in the juvenile justice and social welfare systems.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Conduct Disorder; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Policy
PubMed: 33408155
DOI: 10.29158/JAAPL.200060-20 -
Current Opinion in Psychology Oct 2022Antisocial behavior in adolescents is generally seen as a neurodevelopmental problem; however, in spite of increasing knowledge on the neurobiology of persistent... (Review)
Review
Antisocial behavior in adolescents is generally seen as a neurodevelopmental problem; however, in spite of increasing knowledge on the neurobiology of persistent antisocial behavior, conduct disorders, and psychopathic traits, this knowledge is hardly used in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to give an overview of current research on the neurobiology of antisocial behavior in adolescents and to discuss how this knowledge can be translated to youth forensic clinical practice. First, an overview of recent literature on genetics, neuroimaging, neuropsychology, neurophysiology/neuroendocrinology, and antisocial behavior in adolescents is given. Second, implications for diagnostics, risk taxation, and treatment are discussed. Finally, an integrated biopsychosocial approach for future research regarding translational forensic child and adolescent psychology and psychiatry is advocated.
Topics: Adolescent; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Child; Conduct Disorder; Humans; Neurobiology; Psychology, Adolescent
PubMed: 35687917
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101356 -
American Journal of Psychotherapy Apr 1991Present classifications fall short of helping clinicians to systematically approach syndromes of antisocial (A-S) behavior. Various clinical forms of A-S behavior derive... (Review)
Review
Present classifications fall short of helping clinicians to systematically approach syndromes of antisocial (A-S) behavior. Various clinical forms of A-S behavior derive from different levels of personality organization (normal, neurotic, and borderline level) whereas certain personality disorders (PD) display specific antisocial "profiles" and form the horizontal continuum of antisocial behavior. The borderline level of personality and pathological narcissism stand behind A-S PD, Narcissistic PD, and Histrionic PD. The authors propose that the disorders should be regarded as spectrum disorders. Paranoid PD and "pure" Borderline PD complete the list of PDs manifesting A-S behaviors. Finally, diagnostic instruments for clinical approach to and research of A-S PD are presented.
Topics: Antisocial Personality Disorder; Criminal Psychology; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Models, Psychological; Personality Disorders; Self Concept
PubMed: 2069200
DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1991.45.2.181 -
Pediatric Clinics of North America Oct 2016Severe and persistent antisocial behavior is a prevalent, serious, and costly mental health problem. Individuals who are most likely to show persistent antisocial... (Review)
Review
Severe and persistent antisocial behavior is a prevalent, serious, and costly mental health problem. Individuals who are most likely to show persistent antisocial behavior through adolescence and into adulthood often show patterns of severe and varied conduct problems early in childhood. Treatments that intervene early in the development of these problems are most effective and least costly. Furthermore, there appear to be several common causal pathways that differ in their genetic, emotional, cognitive, and contextual characteristics. These pathways are differentiated by the level of callous-unemotional traits displayed by the individual.
Topics: Antisocial Personality Disorder; Child; Child Behavior; Child Development; Early Diagnosis; Female; Humans; Male; Models, Psychological
PubMed: 27565364
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.06.008 -
Archives of General Psychiatry Nov 1995
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antisocial Personality Disorder; Criminal Psychology; Family Health; Genes; Genetics, Behavioral; Humans; Individuality; Male; Social Environment
PubMed: 7487338
DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.1995.03950230014004