[Aetiology and life-course of conduct disorder in childhood: risk factors for the development of an antisocial personality disorder]

Abstract

Objectives: Conduct disorders are among the most common disorders encountered in child and adolescent psychiatry. They represent a heterogeneous group of disorders, each with a different psychopathology and a different life-course. While antisocial behaviour is only transient in some children, others show increasing criminal behaviour and delinquency, and some even develop an antisocial personality disorder.

Methods: This review presents substantial biological and psychosocial factors, as well as their interaction in the aetiology of conduct disorders. Changes in autonomic responsiveness are emphasized.

Results: Especially young children with conduct problems seem to be at greater risk for persistent and more widespread antisocial behaviour. Some of these children have emotional disturbances similar to those of psychopathic individuals.

Conclusions: In order to prevent a negative course of the disorder, the relevance of primary care for children at high risk for antisocial behaviour is emphasized. In this context, the application of psychophysiological methods might be useful, in order to identify these children at an early stage.