Callous Unemotional Traits, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Callous Unemotional Traits, Genetics
Brief summary
Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD), such as Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), affect children and adolescents in different ways. Research has shown that some individuals with DBD also display callous-unemotional (CU) traits, including a lack of guilt, uncaring behavior, and shallow emotions. This subgroup tends to have more severe symptoms and a higher risk of negative outcomes. Previous studies suggest that genetic factors may play a role in the development of DBD with CU traits. For example, specific variations of the MAOA gene have been linked to difficulties in recognizing and processing emotions such as sadness and fear, which are often impaired in individuals with CU traits. This study aims to explore how broader genetic profiles may affect DBD and CU traits. In the already enrolled sample, we will explore correlations between the collected clinical data and a larger set of genetic variants. The goal is to improve knowledge about the genetic factors that contribute to differences in behavior, which may help inform strategies to identify risk and resilience in individuals with disruptive behavioral traits.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris
University of Pisa
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
7 Years to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Primary diagnosis of Conduct Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder, obtained using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL); * Age 7-16 years; * Intelligence Quotient \> 85; * Italian nationality and Caucasian ethnicity (excluding Sardinians for reasons of ethnic uniformity); * No relatives already enrolled in the study.
Exclusion criteria
* Lack of signed Informed Consent; * Diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder according to K-SADS-PL.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Callous-unemotional traits - ICU | At baseline | Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are assessed using the child-report Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), a 24-item questionnaire measuring Callousness, Uncaring, and Unemotional traits. Answers are rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = Not at All True, 3 = Definitely True). Total score range is 0 to 72, with higher scores indicating more prominent CU traits. |
| Callous-unemotional traits - APSD | At baseline | Callous-unemotional traits are assessed with the Callous-Unemotional (CU) subscale of the child-report Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD). The CU subscale includes 6 items rated on a 3-point Likert scale (0 = Not at All True, 1 = Sometimes True, 2 = Definitely True). Scores range from 0 to 12, with higher scores suggesting higher CU traits. |
| Psychopathic traits | At baseline | Psychopathic traits are assessed with the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, Fourth Edition (SRP-4), which provides scores across four dimensions (Interpersonal, Affective, Lifestyle, Antisocial) and a Total score, with item responses on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating more psychopathic traits. |
| Emotion processing | At baseline | Emotion processing is evaluated by recording gaze pattern using a binocular eye-tracking system, while children are presented with emotional stimuli on a computer screen. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Externalizing Problems | At baseline | Externalizing problems are assessed using the self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a 25-item questionnaire. The composite Externalizing problems score is the sum of the Hyperactivity-Inattention and Conduct Problems scales. Items are rated on a 3-point Likert scale (0 = Not True, 1 = Somewhat True, 2 = Certainly True). Higher scores indicate higher externalizing problems (range 0-20). |
| Internalizing Problems | At baseline | Internalizing problems are assessed using the self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a 25-item questionnaire. The composite Internalizing problems score is the sum of the Emotional Symptoms and Peer Problems scales. Items are rated on a 3-point Likert scale (0 = Not True, 1 = Somewhat True, 2 = Certainly True). Higher scores indicate higher internalizing problems (0-20). |
| Prosocial Behavior | At baseline | Prosocial behavior are assessed using the self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a 25-item questionnaire. The Prosocial scale includes 5 items rated on a 3-point Likert scale (0 = Not True, 1 = Somewhat True, 2 = Certainly True). Higher scores indicate more prosocial behavior (range 0-10). |
| Parenting | At baseline | Parenting practices are assessed using the parent-report Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ), a 42-item questionnaire. The APQ includes five subscales: Positive Involvement, Supervision/Monitoring, Discipline Practices, Consistency, and Corporal Punishment. Higher scores indicate higher levels of the respective parenting practices. |
Countries
Italy
Outcome results
None listed