Genetic and Clinical Correlates of Disruptive Behavior Disorder With and Without Callous-Unemotional Traits

Condition(s) studied

Study 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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• 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.

Trial sites (2)

More IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris trials in Italy

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