Diagnostic systems such as DSM-IV typically combine aggressive behavior
problems with rule-breaking behavior into a single diagnostic category
of Conduct Disorder. However, empirically based studies have identified
a syndrome of aggressive behavior (e.g., fighting, attacking people)
and a separate syndrome of rule-breaking behavior (e.g., lying, stealing,
truancy). Although aggressive behavior often correlates significantly
with rule-breaking behavior, longitudinal studies have shown that the
two syndromes follow different developmental paths. In addition, genetic
factors have been found to influence aggressive behavior more than rule-breaking
behavior. To illuminate relations between genetic factors and the developmental
courses of the different kinds of conduct problems, Eley, Lichtenstein,
and Moffitt (2003) performed genetic analyses of CBCL Aggressive Behavior
and Delinquent Behavior (now called Rule-Breaking Behavior) syndrome
scores for over 2,000 Swedish twins at ages 8-9 and 13-14. The genetic
analyses indicated "that continuity in aggressive ASB (antisocial
behavior) was largely influenced by genetic factors, whereas continuity
in nonaggressive ASB resulted from both genetic and shared environmental
factors" (p. 400). Because longitudinal data are seldom available
for making decisions in specific cases, Eley et al. concluded that "it
may be necessary to rely on the phenotypic heterogeneity in young people's
antisocial behaviors in order to define diagnostic subtypes" and
that their study "provides discriminant validity for the etiology
of these behaviorally defined subtypes" (p. 400).
Reference:
Eley, T. C., Lichtenstein, P., & Moffitt, T.E. (2003). A longitudinal
behavioral genetic analysis of the etiology of aggressive and nonaggressive
antisocial behavior. Development and Psychopathology, 15, 383-402.