Antisocial Boys Studied.
Researchers delving into the mechanism of antisocial behavior in boys have made a surprising discovery. Contrary to previously held notions, very aggressive boys have less than expected levels of a stress related hormone in their saliva. This suggests their behavior may be biologically based, thus making the condition quite difficult to manage with counceling.
In a report published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, January edition, it was shown that extreme antisocial behavior in boys ranging in age from 7 to 12 appears to be related to low cortisol levels. Cortisol is normally released in response to fear, and fear of punishment for misbehaving would trigger the hormone's release.
According to Keith McBurnett, a child psychologist at the University of Chicago medical school, who led the study project, the low levels of the hormone in the boys might indicate they do not fear any possible consequences for their acts.
"Perhaps what we're dealing with here is a biological propensity that is resistant to treatment, which is very troubling," he said. "The implication is that we may need to discard our traditional notions of treatment with these kids in favor of trying to help them fit in and find a niche in society where their aggressiveness and lack of a sense of danger is an asset."
McBurnett suggested a more appropriate treatment might include the addition of a drug regimen similar to that used in hyperactive children.
The four year project studying *childhood onset conduct disorder* covered symptoms such as the use of weapons, severe aggression, fighting, stealing, and forced sexual acts.
Admittedly, the sample was small, only 38 subjects, but the correlation between cortisol and childhood onset conduct disorder was very strong.
The disorder is characterized by extreme antisocial behavior, including animal cruelty and weapon use before the age of ten. Researchers note that children who grow up with the disorder tend to account for an unusually large percentage of crimes. More than a third of the boys with low cortisol levels were referred to as the meanest boys in their class by their peers.
Based on the observations, a dozen children with the lowest levels of cortisol averaged 5.2 symptoms of the disorder. 26 children with slightly higher levels averaged 1.5 symptoms. Most startling of all, 11 of the dozen boys with low cortisol levels developed aggressive symptoms before reaching the age of 10.
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