Genetic analysis of conduct disorder and antisocial behavior

Abstract

In this chapter, we examine the evidence for genetic influences on conduct disorder and antisocial behavior. First, we present results from a meta-analysis of twin and adoption studies estimating the relative magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on antisocial behavior (Rhee & Waldman, 2002). Second, we discuss recent studies that have examined several interesting issues in the etiology of antisocial behavior, including genotype × environment interactions, co-occurrence with other psychiatric disorders, the etiology of psychopathy, and the etiology of adolescent-limited versus life-course-persistent antisocial behavior. Third, we review association studies examining the influence of specific candidate genes on antisocial behavior and linkage studies conducting genome-wide screens for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing antisocial behavior.