Contextualizing the neurobiology of conduct disorder in an emotion dysregulation framework.
Conduct disorder (CD) represents the most common childhood psychiatric disorder found in community and mental health clinics. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the neurobiology of CD; specifically, neurological and neurochemical correlates. Converging evidence suggests that neurological profiles of individuals with CD, compared to peers, are characterized by reduced P300 brain wave amplitude, deactivation of the anterior cingulated cortex and reduced activation in the left amygdala in response to negative stimuli, and reduced right temporal lobe volume. The neurochemical profiles of individuals with CD are characterized by reduced serotonin and cortisol levels (i.e., decreased HPA axis function), as well as attenuated autonomic nervous system functioning. Popular theoretical frameworks cited within the CD literature are limited in their ability to explain and consolidate the neurological and neurochemical findings. We believe that emotion dysregulation theory, though not often used within CD research, may provide the most comprehensive and inclusive framework for understanding neurobiological aspects of this disorder. Limitations within the literature, future directions for research, and implications of the findings will be discussed.
Cappadocia
M Catherine
MC
Psychology Department, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada M3J 1P3. catcap@yorku.ca
Desrocher
Mary
M
Pepler
Debra
D
Schroeder
Jessica H
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002648:Child; D019955:Conduct Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D009446:Neurobiology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood; D012931:Social Environment
D012701:Serotonin; D006854:Hydrocortisone