Search

Conduct disorder is a serious, relatively common disorder of childhood and adolescence. Findings from genetic association studies searching for genetic determinants of the liability toward such behaviors have been inconsistent. One possible explanation for differential results is that most studies define phenotype from a single assessment; for many adolescents conduct problems decrease in severity over time, whereas for others such behaviors persist. Therefore, longitudinal datasets offer the opportunity to refine phenotype.We used Caucasians that were first assessed during adolescence from the National Youth Survey Family Study. Nine waves of data were used to create latent growth trajectories and test for associations between trajectory class and 5HTTLPR genotype.For the full sample, 5HTTLPR was not associated with conduct problem phenotypes. However, the short (s) allele was associated with chronic conduct problems in females; a nominally significant sex by 5HTTLPR genotype interaction was noted.Longitudinal studies provide unique opportunities for phenotypic refinement and such techniques, with large samples, may be useful for phenotypic definition with other study designs, such as whole genome association studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conduct disorder (CD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of violating age-appropriate norms and the rights of others, and is one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders among children. CD is moderately heritable, but we know of no reliable associations with specific genes. Evidence suggests that a variable number tandem repeat polymorphism of the dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene may be associated with externalizing behavior in children.To test for an association between the DAT1 gene and CD.Case-control analyses and a transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) were conducted.Cases were (n=210) adolescents enrolled in a Colorado treatment program for conduct and substance use problems. Controls included adolescents matched to the probands in the treatment program and their siblings (n=162). The TDT was conducted using case families in which DNA from both parents was available (95 trios).The case-control analysis of the full sample did not result in a significant association [χ2 (2,372)=0.13, P=0.94]. Cases with early-onset conduct problems had slightly more 10-repeat alleles than controls, although this difference was not significant [χ2 (2,264)=2.19, P=0.33, 9/10 odds ratio (OR)=1.58, 10/10 OR=2.14]. The TDT also did not result in a significant association [χ2(1)=0.12, P=0.94].Results did not support an association between this polymorphism of the DAT1 gene and CD in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Conduct disorder (CD) is a disorder of childhood and adolescence defined by rule-breaking, aggressive, and destructive behaviors. For some individuals, CD signals the beginning of a lifelong persistent pattern of antisocial behavior (antisocial personality disorder [ASPD]), whereas for other people, these behaviors either desist or persist at a subclinical level. It has generally been accepted that about 40% of individuals with CD persist. This study examined the rate of persistence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) CD into ASPD and the utility of individual DSM-IV CD symptom criteria for predicting this progression. We used the nationally representative sample from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Approximately 75% of those with CD also met criteria for ASPD. Individual CD criteria differentially predicted severity and persistence of antisocial behavior with victim-oriented, aggressive behaviors generally being more predictive of persistence. Contrary to previous estimates, progression from CD to ASPD was the norm and not the exception in this sample. Relationships between individual DSM-IV CD symptom criteria and persistent antisocial outcomes are discussed. These findings may be relevant to the development of DSM-V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Overactive bladder (OAB), a bothersome condition that affects many, is best measured using patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This study was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of 5 brief OAB measures: International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Subject''s Assessment of Condition (SAC), Subject''s Assessment of Treatment Satisfaction (SATS), Subject''s Assessment of Treatment Tolerance (SATT), and Treatment Benefit Scale (TBS). Study Design: These secondary analyses of 2 12-week studies of fesoterodine in OAB patients utilized PRO data from Baseline and Week 12. The concurrent and discriminant validity and responsiveness of each measure were evaluated using Spearman''s correlations and general linear models. Results: There were 798 US patients (Study 1) and 1097 international patients (Study 2) analyzed. Mean age was 58.9 and 56.7 years, with the majority women (75.9% and 80.6%), respectively, in Study 1 and Study 2. The ICIQ-SF and SAC were moderately correlated with most King''s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) subscales; the SATT and SATS had weak correlations with the KHQ. Urinary urgency incontinence episodes were highly correlated with the ICIQ-SF, but weak correlations were present with all other PROs and bladder diary variables. The ICIQ-SF significantly discriminated between wet and dry OAB patients. The SAC, SATS, and TBS significantly discriminated between patients who had improved versus not improved in micturition frequency and urinary urgency incontinence episodes. The SATT significantly discriminated among patients reporting adverse events versus no adverse events. Conclusions: The ICIQ-SF, SAC, TBS, SATT, and SATS are brief, useful measures that can be used in research settings and by health care providers in clinical settings who wish to quickly evaluate patients'' treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]