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Pezzoli P, Pingault JB, Malanchini M, Voronin I, McCrory E, Fearon P, Viding E. Reciprocal Effects Between Negative Parenting and Children's Callous-Unemotional Traits From Mid to Late Childhood. Am J Psychiatry 2024; 181:310-321. [PMID: 38476045 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of negative parenting in the development of callous-unemotional (CU) traits remains unclear. Both negative parenting and CU traits are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The authors used genetically informed longitudinal cross-lagged models to examine the extent to which reciprocal effects between negative parenting and children's CU traits in mid-to-late childhood are genetic versus environmental in origin. METHODS In 9,260 twin pairs from the Twins Early Development Study, the authors estimated cross-lagged effects between negative parenting (discipline and feelings) and children's CU traits in mid (ages 7-9) and late (ages 9-12) childhood. RESULTS CU traits were strongly heritable and stable. Stability was explained largely by genetic factors. The influence of negative parenting on the development of CU traits was small and driven mostly by genetic and shared environmental factors. In mid childhood, the influence of children's CU traits on subsequent negative parenting (i.e., evoked by children's CU traits) was also small and mostly genetic in origin. In late childhood, CU traits showed no effects on negative parental discipline and small effects on negative parental feelings, which reflected mostly shared environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS In mid-to-late childhood, genetic factors strongly influenced the development of CU traits, whereas environmental effects of negative parenting were small. Negative parenting was also relatively unaffected by CU traits. The small reciprocal effects originated mostly from genetic and shared environmental factors. Therefore, repeated intensive interventions addressing multiple risk factors rather than negative parenting alone may be best positioned to support families of children with CU traits across development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Pezzoli
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London (Pezzoli, Pingault, McCrory, Fearon, Viding); Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Pingault, Malanchini); School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London (Malanchini); École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec (Voronin); Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. (Fearon)
| | - Jean-Baptiste Pingault
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London (Pezzoli, Pingault, McCrory, Fearon, Viding); Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Pingault, Malanchini); School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London (Malanchini); École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec (Voronin); Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. (Fearon)
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London (Pezzoli, Pingault, McCrory, Fearon, Viding); Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Pingault, Malanchini); School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London (Malanchini); École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec (Voronin); Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. (Fearon)
| | - Ivan Voronin
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London (Pezzoli, Pingault, McCrory, Fearon, Viding); Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Pingault, Malanchini); School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London (Malanchini); École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec (Voronin); Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. (Fearon)
| | - Eamon McCrory
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London (Pezzoli, Pingault, McCrory, Fearon, Viding); Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Pingault, Malanchini); School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London (Malanchini); École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec (Voronin); Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. (Fearon)
| | - Pasco Fearon
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London (Pezzoli, Pingault, McCrory, Fearon, Viding); Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Pingault, Malanchini); School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London (Malanchini); École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec (Voronin); Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. (Fearon)
| | - Essi Viding
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London (Pezzoli, Pingault, McCrory, Fearon, Viding); Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Pingault, Malanchini); School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London (Malanchini); École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec (Voronin); Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. (Fearon)
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Brady RG, Donohue MR, Waller R, Latham A, Ayala M, Smyser TA, Warner BB, Barch DM, Luby JL, Rogers CE, Smyser CD. Newborn Brain Function and Early Emerging Callous-Unemotional Traits. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:303-311. [PMID: 38117491 PMCID: PMC10733851 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.4842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Importance Children with high callous-unemotional traits are more likely to develop severe and persistent conduct problems; however, the newborn neurobiology underlying early callous-unemotional traits remains unknown. Understanding the neural mechanisms that precede the development of callous-unemotional traits could help identify at-risk children and encourage development of novel treatments. Objective To determine whether newborn brain function is associated with early-emerging empathy, prosociality, and callous-unemotional traits. Design, Setting, and Participants In this prospective, longitudinal cohort study, pregnant women were recruited from obstetric clinics in St Louis, Missouri, from September 1, 2017, to February 28, 2020, with longitudinal data collected until March 20, 2023. Mothers were recruited during pregnancy. Newborns underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging shortly after birth. Mothers completed longitudinal follow-up when the children were aged 1, 2, and 3 years. Exposures The sample was enriched for exposure to socioeconomic disadvantage. Main Outcome and Measure Functional connectivity between hypothesized brain regions was assessed using newborn-specific networks and voxel-based connectivity analyses. Children's callous-unemotional traits were measured using the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits. Empathy and prosociality were assessed using the Infant and Toddler Socio-Emotional Assessment. Results A total of 283 children (mean [SD] gestational age, 38 [2] weeks; 159 male [56.2%]; 2 Asian [0.7%], 171 Black [60%], 7 Hispanic or Latino [2.5%], 106 White [38%], 4 other racial or ethnic group [1.4%]) were included in the analysis. Stronger newborn functional connectivity between the cingulo-opercular network (CO) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was associated with higher callous-unemotional traits at age 3 years (β = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.17-0.41; P < .001). Results persisted when accounting for parental callous-unemotional traits and child externalizing symptoms. Stronger newborn CO-mPFC connectivity was also associated with lower empathy and lower prosociality at ages 1, 2, and 3 years using multilevel models (β = -0.12; 95% CI, -0.21 to -0.04; P = .004 and β = -0.20; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.10; P < .001, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance Newborn functional connectivity was associated with early-emerging empathy, prosociality, and callous-unemotional traits, even when accounting for parental callous-unemotional traits and child externalizing symptoms. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of empathy, prosociality, and callous-unemotional traits at the earliest developmental point may help early risk stratification and novel intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G. Brady
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Megan Rose Donohue
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Aidan Latham
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Mia Ayala
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Tara A. Smyser
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Barbara B. Warner
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Deanna M. Barch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Mallinckrot Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Joan L. Luby
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Cynthia E. Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Christopher D. Smyser
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
- Mallinckrot Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
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Fostering socio-emotional competencies in children on the autism spectrum using a parent-assisted serious game: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. Behav Res Ther 2022; 152:104068. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Tully J, Frey A, Fotiadou M, Kolla NJ, Eisenbarth H. Psychopathy in women: insights from neuroscience and ways forward for research. CNS Spectr 2021; 28:1-13. [PMID: 34906266 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852921001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Psychopathy is a severe form of personality disturbance, resulting in a detrimental impact on individuals, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. Until relatively recently, most research in psychopathy has focused on male samples, not least because of its link with criminal behavior and the large proportion of violent crime committed by men. However, psychopathy in women also leads to considerable problems at an individual and societal level, including substance misuse, poor treatment outcomes, and contribution to ever-increasing numbers of female prisoners. Despite this, due to relative neglect, most research into adult female psychopathy is underpowered and outdated. We argue that the field needs revitalizing, with a focus on the developmental nature of the condition and neurocognitive research. Recent work international consortia into conduct disorder in female youth-a precursor of psychopathy in female adults-gives cause for optimism. Here, we outline key strategies for enriching research in this important field with contemporary approaches to other psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Tully
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Annalena Frey
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nathan J Kolla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Research and Academics, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hedwig Eisenbarth
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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The Current Situation and Influencing Factors of the Alarm Fatigue of Nurses' Medical Equipment in the Intensive Care Unit Based on Intelligent Medical Care. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:9994303. [PMID: 34285785 PMCID: PMC8275382 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9994303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
After rapid development and reform, the health level and medical diagnosis and treatment capabilities of Chinese residents have been significantly improved, and high-quality medical resources have significantly improved the life safety and health of the masses. As the most concentrated area of medical equipment in the hospital, the intensive care unit produces the most alarms during the operation of the equipment. The intensive care unit nurses are responsible for heavier nursing work, and the problem of alarming in other departments is more prominent. Therefore, this paper presents an analysis and research on the current situation and influencing factors of the alarm fatigue of nurse medical equipment in the intensive care unit based on intelligent medicine. This article uses a variety of related methods such as literature data method and questionnaire survey method to deeply study the theoretical knowledge of intelligent medical treatment, medical equipment alarm fatigue device, and so on. The logistic regression analysis method is introduced to classify its influencing factors, and the analysis experiment on the influencing factors of the medical equipment alarm fatigue of nurses in the intensive care unit is designed. The nurses' cognition of clinical alarms and the analysis of clinical alarm fatigue questionnaire data are studied. The alarm fatigue of nurses in the intensive care unit is at a severe level, which needs to be taken seriously in the intensive care unit. Unmarried, high-level positions, long working years, high professional titles, and high education are negatively correlated with alarm fatigue (P < 0.05), and those without an alarm habit are positively correlated with alarm fatigue (P < 0.05), and the number of night shifts per month is related to alarm fatigue. There is no correlation between them (P > 0.05).
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Zhang X, Wang R, Gao Y, Wang MC. Resting Heart Rate Mediates the Relationship between Parenting Style and Callous-Unemotional Traits in Chinese Children. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:1419-1430. [PMID: 34128174 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00834-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing knowledge of social and biological risk factors for callous-unemotional (CU) traits, relatively less is known about how these two sets of risk factors combine to affect these traits. The current longitudinal study investigated pathways from parenting style to CU traits via resting heart rate in a three-year project. Parents of 382 children completed the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire at Time 1 (children Mean age = 9.06, SD = 0.94, range = 7-11 years), with the heart rate data collected at Time 2 (M = 10.16, SD = 0.93, range = 8-13 years) and CU traits assessed at Time 3 (M = 11.06, SD = 0.94, range = 9-13 years). We found that parenting style and CU traits were associated with resting heart rate, and that structural equation modeling showed resting heart rate to partially mediate the effect of parenting style on CU traits. Specifically, higher levels of authoritarian parenting were associated with lower resting heart rate, which in turn was linked to higher level of CU traits. On the contrary, children in the context of authoritative parenting showed relatively higher resting heart rate, which was predictive of lower CU traits. Overall, findings have implications for understanding the etiology of CU traits in children and developing effective prevention programs for children with affective deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Rongqiang Wang
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Meng-Cheng Wang
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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Vyas S, Constantino JN, Baldridge D. 22q11.2 duplication: a review of neuropsychiatric correlates and a newly observed case of prototypic sociopathy. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2019; 5:mcs.a004291. [PMID: 31836587 PMCID: PMC6913156 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a004291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are highly disabling behavioral characteristics, common predictors of delinquency and criminality, and pathognomonic for antisocial personality disorder. They are highly heritable, but their specific molecular genetic causes are unknown. Here, we briefly review the literature on neuropsychiatric correlates of 22q11.2 duplication and describe a newly identified case of a 737-kb microduplication within the low copy repeat (LCR) B-D region, involving a 13-yr-old early adoptee with mild developmental delay and severe, chronic antisocial behavior of early childhood onset. When psychiatric symptoms have been reported in relation to duplications in this specific region, 19% of the reports feature aggression—but never previously CU traits—as a component of the phenotype. We discuss the potential implications of gain of function in this chromosomal region for heritable origins of sociopathy and their possible relation to genetic influences on aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Vyas
- St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA
| | - John N Constantino
- Division of Child Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Dustin Baldridge
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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The Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and the development of callous-unemotional traits. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:656-671. [PMID: 31618611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Research implicates callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., lack of empathy, prosociality, and guilt, and reduced sensitivity to others' emotions) in the development of severe and persistent antisocial behavior. To improve etiological models of antisocial behavior and develop more effective treatments, we need a better understanding of the origins of CU traits. In this review, we discuss the role of two psychobiological and mechanistic precursors to CU traits: low affiliative reward (i.e., deficits in seeking out or getting pleasure from social bonding and closeness with others) and low threat sensitivity (i.e., fearlessness to social and non-social threat). We outline the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and review studies that have examined the development of affiliative reward and threat sensitivity across animal, neuroimaging, genetic, and behavioral perspectives. We next evaluate evidence for the STAR model, specifically the claim that CU traits result from deficits in both affiliative reward and threat sensitivity. We end with constructive suggestions for future research to test the hypotheses generated by the STAR model.
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Yoshida S, Adachi M, Takahashi M, Takanyanagi N, Yasuda S, Osada H, Nakamura K. The factor structure and construct validity of the parent-reported Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits among school-aged children and adolescents. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221046. [PMID: 31419241 PMCID: PMC6697337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the factor structure and construct validity of the parent-reported Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) among school-aged children and adolescents, aged 6 to 15 years, in a community setting in Japan (n = 10,936). We investigated 15 models that have been reported in previous studies and used confirmatory factor analyses to determine a model that might actually be the best-fit among these. We then examined the correlations between the score of ICU and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in the best fit model and the three-factor bifactor (3FBF) model with the original ICU through cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis to determine the concurrent and predictive validity of the ICU. The results showed that the best-fit model was the two-factor bifactor (2FBF) model with a revised version of the ICU with 12 items, excluding all but one item of unemotional factors. The cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis showed that higher general callous-unemotional factor scores, callousness and uncaring specific factor scores were significantly associated with a higher level of conduct problems and a lower level of prosocial behaviors in the SDQ. These tendencies were shown both in the 2FBF model with the revised version of the ICU and the 3FBF model with the original ICU. We conclude that the 2FBF model was useful for school-aged community samples, as it predicts increases in conduct problems and decreases in prosocial behavior with fewer items than the 3FBF model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Yoshida
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Masaki Adachi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Michio Takahashi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan
| | | | - Sayura Yasuda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Osada
- Department of Psychology, School of Human Sciences, Senshu University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakamura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
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Fairchild G, Hawes DJ, Frick PJ, Copeland WE, Odgers CL, Franke B, Freitag CM, De Brito SA. Conduct disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2019; 5:43. [PMID: 31249310 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-019-0095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Conduct disorder (CD) is a common and highly impairing psychiatric disorder that usually emerges in childhood or adolescence and is characterized by severe antisocial and aggressive behaviour. It frequently co-occurs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and often leads to antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. CD affects ~3% of school-aged children and is twice as prevalent in males than in females. This disorder can be subtyped according to age at onset (childhood-onset versus adolescent-onset) and the presence or absence of callous-unemotional traits (deficits in empathy and guilt). The aetiology of CD is complex, with contributions of both genetic and environmental risk factors and different forms of interplay among the two (gene-environment interaction and correlation). In addition, CD is associated with neurocognitive impairments; smaller grey matter volume in limbic regions such as the amygdala, insula and orbitofrontal cortex, and functional abnormalities in overlapping brain circuits responsible for emotion processing, emotion regulation and reinforcement-based decision-making have been reported. Lower hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic reactivity to stress has also been reported. Management of CD primarily involves parent-based or family-based psychosocial interventions, although stimulants and atypical antipsychotics are sometimes used, especially in individuals with comorbid ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Hawes
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul J Frick
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA and Institute for Learning Science and Teacher Education, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Candice L Odgers
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Franke
- Departments of Human Genetics and Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephane A De Brito
- School of Psychology and Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Moore AA, Rappaport LM, James Blair R, Pine DS, Leibenluft E, Brotman MA, Hettema JM, Roberson-Nay R. Genetic underpinnings of callous-unemotional traits and emotion recognition in children, adolescents, and emerging adults. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2019; 60:638-645. [PMID: 30779145 PMCID: PMC6520193 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Callous-Unemotional (CU) and psychopathic traits are consistently associated with impaired recognition of others' emotions, specifically fear and sadness. However, no studies have examined whether the association between CU traits and emotion recognition deficits is due primarily to genetic or environmental factors. METHODS The current study used data from 607 Caucasian twin pairs (N = 1,214 twins) to examine the phenotypic and genetic relationship between the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) and facial emotion recognition assessed via the laboratory-based Facial Expression Labeling Task (FELT). RESULTS The uncaring/callous dimension of the ICU was significantly associated with impaired recognition of happiness, sadness, fear, surprise, and disgust. The unemotional ICU dimension was significantly associated with improved recognition of surprise and disgust. Total ICU score was significantly associated with impaired recognition of sadness. Significant genetic correlations were found for uncaring/callous traits and distress cue recognition (i.e. fear and sadness). The observed relationship between uncaring/callous traits and deficits in distress cue recognition was accounted for entirely by shared genetic influences. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study replicate previous findings demonstrating impaired emotion recognition among youth with elevated CU traits. We extend these findings by replicating them in an epidemiological sample not selected or enriched for pathological levels of CU traits. Furthermore, the current study is the first to investigate the genetic and environmental etiology of CU traits and emotion recognition, and results suggest genetic influences underlie the specific relationship between uncaring/callous traits and distress cue (fear/sadness) recognition in others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee A. Moore
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Lance M. Rappaport
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - R. James Blair
- Center for Neurobehavioral Research, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE
| | - Daniel S. Pine
- Emotion and Development Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ellen Leibenluft
- Emotion and Development Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD
| | - Melissa A. Brotman
- Emotion and Development Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD
| | - John M. Hettema
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Roxann Roberson-Nay
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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12
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Ueno K, Ackermann K, Freitag CM, Schwenck C. Assessing Callous-Unemotional Traits in 6- to 18-Year-Olds: Reliability, Validity, Factor Structure, and Norms of the German Version of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits. Assessment 2019; 28:567-584. [PMID: 31096770 DOI: 10.1177/1073191119847766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: This article reports reliability, validity, and norms for the German version of the multi-informant questionnaire Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU). Method: The ICU was filled in by nonreferred children aged 13 to 18 years old (n = 645), parents of children aged 6 to 18 years old (n = 1,005), and their teachers (n = 955). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a two-factor solution giving the best fit. Still none of the models showed an adequate model-fit applying the chi-square exact fit test. The internal consistency of the parent's, teacher's, and self-report version were α = .830, α = .877 and α = .769, respectively. Interrater reliability was moderate. Convergent validity with the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory, the externalizing scores of the Youth Self-Report/Child Behavior Checklist, and with the German oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder Rating Scale "FBB-SSV" were good. German norms were calculated. Conclusions: The ICU is a reliable and valid dimensional measure to describe callous-unemotional traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christina Schwenck
- Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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The genetic underpinnings of callous-unemotional traits: A systematic research review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 100:85-97. [PMID: 30817934 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Callous-unemotional (CU) traits represent the affective features of psychopathy used to delineate youth at high risk for externalizing pathology. The genetic etiology CU traits is not currently well-understood. METHODS The current review surveyed the literature for studies on the genetic underpinnings of CU traits and integrated information from 39 genetic studies. RESULTS The results from 24 studies with quantitative data suggest that the heritability for CU traits is likely between 36-67%. A majority of the 16 molecular genetic studies focused on candidate genes in the serotonin and oxytocin systems with results that have not been well replicated. Although two genome-wide association studies have been conducted, no genome-wide significant loci have been discovered. DISCUSSION There is some evidence to suggest that the serotonin and oxytocin systems may play a role in CU traits; however, there is currently not enough evidence to implicate specific genetic mechanisms. The authors encourage researchers to continue to apply the most up-to-date and relevant methodology, specifically collaborations and consortiums using genome-wide and polygenic methods.
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Mann FD, Tackett JL, Tucker-Drob EM, Harden KP. Callous-Unemotional Traits Moderate Genetic and Environmental Influences on Rule-Breaking and Aggression: Evidence for Gene × Trait Interaction. Clin Psychol Sci 2019; 6:123-133. [PMID: 30701129 DOI: 10.1177/2167702617730889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous behavioral genetic research in children has found that conduct problems in the presence of high CU traits are more heritable than conduct problems in the presence of low CU traits -- a gene × trait interaction. The current study replicates and extends this finding using a sample of adolescent twins from the Texas Twin Project, who were assessed for rule-breaking and aggression. We find evidence that genetic influences on CU traits contribute to genetic liability for both rule-breaking and aggressive behavior. CU traits moderate genetic influences on aggressive behavior, such that the heritability of aggression is higher among youth with high levels of CU traits. However, we do not find evidence that CU traits moderate genetic influences on rule-breaking behavior. The continuum of callous-unemotionality and the aggression versus rule-breaking distinction continues to be meaningful and intersecting methods for characterizing heterogeneity in the etiology of antisocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank D Mann
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
| | | | - Elliot M Tucker-Drob
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin.,Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
| | - K Paige Harden
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin.,Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
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15
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Ray JV, Frick PJ. Assessing Callous-Unemotional Traits Using the Total Score from the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits: A Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 49:190-199. [DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2018.1504297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James V. Ray
- Department of Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida
| | - Paul J. Frick
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University
- Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, Australian Catholic University
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Sonne JWH, Gash DM. Psychopathy to Altruism: Neurobiology of the Selfish-Selfless Spectrum. Front Psychol 2018; 9:575. [PMID: 29725317 PMCID: PMC5917043 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The age-old philosophical, biological, and social debate over the basic nature of humans as being “universally selfish” or “universally good” continues today highlighting sharply divergent views of natural social order. Here we analyze advances in biology, genetics and neuroscience increasing our understanding of the evolution, features and neurocircuitry of the human brain underlying behavior in the selfish–selfless spectrum. First, we examine evolutionary pressures for selection of altruistic traits in species with protracted periods of dependence on parents and communities for subsistence and acquisition of learned behaviors. Evidence supporting the concept that altruistic potential is a common feature in human populations is developed. To go into greater depth in assessing critical features of the social brain, the two extremes of selfish–selfless behavior, callous unemotional psychopaths and zealous altruists who take extreme measures to help others, are compared on behavioral traits, structural/functional neural features, and the relative contributions of genetic inheritance versus acquired cognitive learning to their mindsets. Evidence from population groups ranging from newborns, adopted children, incarcerated juveniles, twins and mindfulness meditators point to the important role of neuroplasticity and the dopaminergic reward systems in forming and reforming neural circuitry in response to personal experience and cultural influences in determining behavior in the selfish–selfless spectrum. The underlying neural circuitry differs between psychopaths and altruists with emotional processing being profoundly muted in psychopaths and significantly enhanced in altruists. But both groups are characterized by the reward system of the brain shaping behavior. Instead of rigid assignment of human nature as being “universally selfish” or “universally good,” both characterizations are partial truths based on the segments of the selfish–selfless spectrum being examined. In addition, individuals and populations can shift in the behavioral spectrum in response to cognitive therapy and social and cultural experience, and approaches such as mindfulness training for introspection and reward-activating compassion are entering the mainstream of clinical care for managing pain, depression, and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W H Sonne
- Department of Health Professions, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Don M Gash
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Wang MC, Gao Y, Deng J, Lai H, Deng Q, Armour C. The factor structure and construct validity of the inventory of callous-unemotional traits in Chinese undergraduate students. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189003. [PMID: 29216240 PMCID: PMC5720694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study assesses the factor structure and construct validity of the self-reported Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) in 637 Chinese community adults (mean age = 25.98, SD = 5.79). A series of theoretical models proposed in previous studies were tested through confirmatory factor analyses. Results indicated that a shortened form that consists of 11 items (ICU-11) to assess callousness and uncaring factors has excellent overall fit. Additionally, correlations with a wide range of external variables demonstrated that this shortened form has similar construct validity compared to the original ICU. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the ICU-11 may be a promising self-report tool that could be a good substitute for the original form to assess callous-uncaring traits in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Cheng Wang
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory for Juveniles Mental Health and Educational Neuroscience in Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Yu Gao
- Brooklyn College, the City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
- The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jiaxin Deng
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Lai
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaowen Deng
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cherie Armour
- Psychology Research Institute, University of Ulster, Coleraine, United Kingdom
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