Genetic and environmental influences on subtypes of conduct disorder behavior in boys

Oppositional and conduct disorders are a heterogeneous collection of disrup tive behaviors associated with diverse risk factors and varying outcomes. D ata from males in the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Developm ent (VTSABD) are used to explore the relative importance of genetic and env ironmental influences on four previously described disruptive subtypes: pro perty violations, status violations, oppositional behavior, and aggression. Striking differences between results according to mother and child ratings are found, indicating the need to consider carefully the origin of rater d ifferences. Child ratings indicate support for a general genetic liability, with greatest influence on property violations, oppositional behavior and aggression. Maternal ratings suggest that the genetic factors influencing c onduct disorder behavior are more specific to the behavioral area, with the stronger genetic influence on property violations and aggression.