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Brain Sciences
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Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment
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Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 June 2021) | Viewed by 44239

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Annarita Milone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy
Interests: disruptive behavior disorders; adolescence; empathy; callous–unemotional traits; emotional dysregulation; aggression; prevention; cognitive interventions; psycho-pharmacological treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gianluca Sesso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa (Calambrone), Italy
Interests: disruptive behavior disorders; childhood; empathy; callous–unemotional traits; emotional dysregulation; executive functions; psycho-pharmacological treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Clinical management of disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) in childhood and adolescence has seen great advances in recent years. Research has focused on identifying early DBD signs and defining specifiers, which may help clinicians to disentangle and subtype the heterogeneous manifestations of BDB. This has allowed significant progress to be made in defining specific developmental trajectories, targeted prevention programs, and timely treatment strategies.

The principal aims of this Special Issue are to address three core features of DBD management:

  • Clinical presentations: identifying neural correlates of aggression and irritability, gender-related specificities, predictors of psychosocial and psychopathological outcomes, markers of response to stressful events;
  • Multidimensional assessment: executive functioning, empathic competences, callous–unemotional traits, emotional dysregulation, and predictors of antisocial outcome;
  • Treatment options: special focus on cognitive interventions (child/adolescent-centered, parenting or family-oriented programs, school interventions and tele-rehabilitation) and pharmacological treatments targeted on specific DBD features (aggression, emotional dysregulation).Special attention will be reserved for original research, especially for observational studies and randomized clinical trials, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses will also be welcomed.

Dr. Annarita Milone
Dr. Gianluca Sesso
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Disruptive behavior disorders
  • Childhood
  • Adolescence
  • Empathy
  • Callous–unemotional traits
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Aggression
  • Executive functions
  • Prevention
  • Cognitive interventions
  • Psycho-pharmacological treatment

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 188 KiB  
Editorial
Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment
by Annarita Milone and Gianluca Sesso
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 225; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12020225 - 07 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2129
Abstract
Disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) refer to a group of conditions that typically share difficulties in modulating aggressive conducts, self-control, and impulses, with resulting behaviors that constitute a threat to others’ safety and to social norms [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)

Research

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10 pages, 277 KiB  
Article
The Role of Emotional Dysregulation, Impulsivity Traits and Aggressive Behaviors in Adolescents Who Sustain Multiple Motor-Vehicle Crashes
by Silvia Cimino, Paola Di Vito and Luca Cerniglia
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(12), 1599; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12121599 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1265
Abstract
Adolescents tend to experience multiple motor-vehicle crashes (MVCs). Recent literature has thoroughly explored the psychological consequences following an MVC, but prior psychological functioning, the ability to regulate one’s emotions and tendencies to impulsivity and aggressive behaviors have been far less explored. This study [...] Read more.
Adolescents tend to experience multiple motor-vehicle crashes (MVCs). Recent literature has thoroughly explored the psychological consequences following an MVC, but prior psychological functioning, the ability to regulate one’s emotions and tendencies to impulsivity and aggressive behaviors have been far less explored. This study aims to explore the emotional–behavioral functioning, measured with the Youth Self-Report (YSR); emotional dysregulation, measured with the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS); impulsivity traits, measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11); and the capacity to be mindful, measured with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), in adolescents that have experienced one or more MVCs in a year. N = 295 adolescents who visited an emergency department for MVCs were divided in two groups based on the number of MVCs they had sustained over the course of a year. The adolescents in Group 1 sustained more than three MVCs, and adolescents in Group 2 sustained only one. Participants were assessed through self-report questionnaires. Adolescents showed difficulties in emotional regulation, impulsivity traits, aggressive behaviors and a low capacity to be mindful. These results may be useful in the creation of intervention and prevention programs focused on emotional awareness targets for adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
14 pages, 3679 KiB  
Article
Forgiveness in the Modulation of Responsibility in a Sample of Italian Adolescents with a Tendency towards Conduct or Obsessive–Compulsive Problems
by Carlo Buonanno, Enrico Iuliano, Giuseppe Grossi, Francesco Mancini, Emiliana Stendardo, Fabrizia Tudisco and Barbara Pizzini
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(10), 1333; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11101333 - 09 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2009
Abstract
Although obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and the conduct disorders (CD) express a contrasting symptomatology, they could represent different answers to a common matrix about morality. In the literature, some theoretical models describe people with OCD as individuals who experience high levels of responsibility and [...] Read more.
Although obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and the conduct disorders (CD) express a contrasting symptomatology, they could represent different answers to a common matrix about morality. In the literature, some theoretical models describe people with OCD as individuals who experience high levels of responsibility and guilt. On the other hand, adolescents with a CD are described as if they do not feel guilty at all or consider anti-social purposes as more important than existing moral purposes. The aims of this study were to investigate the role of forgiveness in responsibility and guilt levels and to test whether this putative relation was influenced by tendencies towards obsessive–compulsive problems (OCP) or conduct problems (CP). In total, 231 adolescents aged between 16 and 18 years were self-assessed using a Youth Self-Report, Child Responsibility Attitudes Questionnaire, Heartland Forgiveness Scale, and Test Of Self-Conscious Affect. The results show that self-forgiveness predicted responsibility levels, while guilt was predicted by self-forgiveness and situation-forgiveness. Moreover, mediation analyses revealed that the effects of OCP on responsibility and guilt were mediated by self-forgiveness and situation-forgiveness. Regarding CP, no mediated effects were found. In conclusion, lower proneness to forgive increases responsibility and guilt, and this is particularly evident in subjects with higher levels of OCP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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15 pages, 319 KiB  
Article
Parenting and Sibling Relationships in Family with Disruptive Behavior Disorders. Are Non-Clinical Siblings More Vulnerable for Emotional and Behavioral Problems?
by Martina Smorti, Emanuela Inguaggiato, Lara Vezzosi and Annarita Milone
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(10), 1308; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11101308 - 01 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3623
Abstract
Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) are the most common mental health disorders in the school-aged child population. Although harsh parenting is a key risk factor in the shaping of DBD, studies neglect the presence of siblings and differential parenting. This study aims to compare: [...] Read more.
Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) are the most common mental health disorders in the school-aged child population. Although harsh parenting is a key risk factor in the shaping of DBD, studies neglect the presence of siblings and differential parenting. This study aims to compare: (1) parenting style and sibling relationship in sibling dyads of clinical families, composed of a DBD child and a non-clinical sibling, with control families composed of two non-clinical siblings; (2) parenting style, sibling relationship, and emotional and behavioral problems in DBD child, non-clinical sibling, and non-clinical child of control group. Sixty-one families (composed of mother and sibling dyads), divided into clinical (n = 27) and control (n = 34) groups, completed the APQ, SRI, and CBCL questionnaires. Results indicated differential parenting in clinical families, compared to control group families, with higher negative parenting toward the DBD child than the sibling; no difference emerged in sibling relationship within sibling dyads (clinical vs. control). Finally, externalizing and internalizing problems were higher in DBD children and their siblings, compared to control, indicating DBD sibling psychopathology vulnerability. Findings suggest inclusion of siblings in the clinical assessment and rehabilitative intervention of DBD children, given that the promotion of positive parenting could improve mental health in the offspring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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20 pages, 605 KiB  
Article
Mindful Coping Power: Comparative Effects on Children’s Reactive Aggression and Self-Regulation
by Caroline L. Boxmeyer, Shari Miller, Devon E. Romero, Nicole P. Powell, Shannon Jones, Lixin Qu, Stephen Tueller and John E. Lochman
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(9), 1119; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11091119 - 25 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3025
Abstract
Coping Power (CP) is an evidence-based preventive intervention for youth with disruptive behavior problems. This study examined whether Mindful Coping Power (MCP), a novel adaptation which integrates mindfulness into CP, enhances program effects on children’s reactive aggression and self-regulation. A pilot randomized design [...] Read more.
Coping Power (CP) is an evidence-based preventive intervention for youth with disruptive behavior problems. This study examined whether Mindful Coping Power (MCP), a novel adaptation which integrates mindfulness into CP, enhances program effects on children’s reactive aggression and self-regulation. A pilot randomized design was utilized to estimate the effect sizes for MCP versus CP in a sample of 102 child participants (fifth grade students, predominantly low-middle income, 87% Black). MCP produced significantly greater improvement in children’s self-reported dysregulation (emotional, behavioral, cognitive) than CP, including children’s perceived anger modulation. Small to moderate effects favoring MCP were also observed for improvements in child-reported inhibitory control and breath awareness and parent-reported child attentional capacity and social skills. MCP did not yield a differential effect on teacher-rated reactive aggression. CP produced a stronger effect than MCP on parent-reported externalizing behavior problems. Although MCP did not enhance program effects on children’s reactive aggression as expected, it did have enhancing effects on children’s internal, embodied experiences (self-regulation, anger modulation, breath awareness). Future studies are needed to compare MCP and CP in a large scale, controlled efficacy trial and to examine whether MCP-produced improvements in children’s internal experiences lead to improvements in their observable behavior over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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14 pages, 484 KiB  
Article
The Relation of Callous–Unemotional Traits and Bullying in Early Adolescence Is Independent from Sex and Age and Moderated by Conduct Problems
by Gennaro Catone, Luisa Almerico, Anna Pezzella, Maria Pia Riccio, Carmela Bravaccio, Pia Bernardo, Pietro Muratori, Antonio Pascotto, Simone Pisano and Vincenzo Paolo Senese
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(8), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11081059 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2947
Abstract
In youths, callous–unemotional (CU) traits and conduct problems (CP) are independently associated with bullying perpetration and these effects are also observed when controlling for sex. Moreover, research indicates that the co-existence of high levels of both CU and CP further increase the risk. [...] Read more.
In youths, callous–unemotional (CU) traits and conduct problems (CP) are independently associated with bullying perpetration and these effects are also observed when controlling for sex. Moreover, research indicates that the co-existence of high levels of both CU and CP further increase the risk. Although several studies have examined the relationship between CU traits and traditional bullying, few have also included a measure of cyberbullying and very few of them have focused the early adolescence. The aim of this study was to replicate and extend these findings in a large sample of Italian early adolescents considering both traditional and cyberbullying behaviors. Data were extracted from the Bullying and Youth Mental Health Naples study (BYMHNS) which included 2959 students of 10–15 years of age. CP, CU traits, traditional bullying behaviors, and cyberbullying behaviors were assessed by multi-item self-report scales. As expected, we replicated the significant and specific association between CU traits and traditional bullying, extending the findings to cyberbullying. In addition, in the latter case the effect was moderated by CP. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results were discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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18 pages, 721 KiB  
Article
Substance Use Outcomes from Two Formats of a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Aggressive Children: Moderating Roles of Inhibitory Control and Intervention Engagement
by John E. Lochman, Caroline L. Boxmeyer, Chuong Bui, Estephan Hakim, Shannon Jones, Francesca Kassing, Kristina McDonald, Nicole Powell, Lixin Qu and Thomas Dishion
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(7), 950; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11070950 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2130
Abstract
Although cognitive-behavioral interventions have reduced the risk of substance use, little is known about moderating factors in children with disruptive behaviors. This study examined whether aggressive preadolescents’ inhibitory control and intervention engagement moderates the effect of group versus individual delivery on their substance [...] Read more.
Although cognitive-behavioral interventions have reduced the risk of substance use, little is known about moderating factors in children with disruptive behaviors. This study examined whether aggressive preadolescents’ inhibitory control and intervention engagement moderates the effect of group versus individual delivery on their substance use. Following screening for aggression in 4th grade, 360 children were randomly assigned to receive the Coping Power intervention in either group or individual formats. The sample was primarily African American (78%) and male (65%). Assessments were made of children’s self-reported substance use from preintervention through a six-year follow-up after intervention, parent-reported inhibitory control at preintervention, and observed behavioral engagement in the group intervention. Multilevel growth modeling found lower increases in substance use slopes for children with low inhibitory control receiving individual intervention, and for children with higher inhibitory control receiving group intervention. Children with low inhibitory control but who displayed more positive behavioral engagement in the group sessions had slower increases in their substance use than did similar children without positive engagement. Aggressive children’s level of inhibitory control can lead to tailoring of group versus individual delivery of intervention. Children’s positive behavioral engagement in group sessions is a protective factor for children with low inhibitory control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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15 pages, 845 KiB  
Article
Personal and Environmental Predictors of Aggression in Adolescence
by Claudia A. Robles-Haydar, Marina B. Martínez-González, Yuliana A. Flórez-Niño, Luz M. Ibáñez-Navarro and José J. Amar-Amar
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(7), 933; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11070933 - 15 Jul 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3773
Abstract
This study aims to find causal factors of aggression in a group of Latino adolescents to achieve a greater understanding of human nature, taking into account personal and contextual variables. The fundamental hypothesis is that moral disengagement, personality traits, self-esteem, values, parenting, sex, [...] Read more.
This study aims to find causal factors of aggression in a group of Latino adolescents to achieve a greater understanding of human nature, taking into account personal and contextual variables. The fundamental hypothesis is that moral disengagement, personality traits, self-esteem, values, parenting, sex, and socioeconomic situation can function as possible casual factors of aggression in adolescents. The study examined the variables using the structural equations model (SEM) to determine causal factors of aggression in a sample of 827 adolescents (54% men and 46% women) between 11 and 16 years of age. According to the scientific literature review, sociodemographic, personal, and familiar variables were included in the causal model. The influence of the variables occurred in two ways: one that inhibits aggression and the other that reinforces it. The results are discussed based on identifying protective and risk factors against aggression: biological sex and values of conformity and transcendence as aggression’s inhibitors and, on the other hand, openness, moral disengagement, and leadership values as the most important predictors of aggression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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15 pages, 1228 KiB  
Article
Psychopathic Traits in Childhood: Insights from Parental Warmth and Fearless Temperament via Conscience Development
by Laura López-Romero, Olalla Cutrín, Lorena Maneiro, Beatriz Domínguez-Álvarez and Estrella Romero
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(7), 923; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11070923 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2714
Abstract
The role of psychopathic traits in predicting more serious and persistent patterns of child conduct problems has been well documented. The jointly presence of interpersonal (grandiose–deceitful), affective (e.g., callous–unemotional), and behavioral psychopathic traits (impulsive–need of stimulation) identifies a group of children at increased [...] Read more.
The role of psychopathic traits in predicting more serious and persistent patterns of child conduct problems has been well documented. The jointly presence of interpersonal (grandiose–deceitful), affective (e.g., callous–unemotional), and behavioral psychopathic traits (impulsive–need of stimulation) identifies a group of children at increased risk of psychosocial maladjustment. The present study aims to disentangle the underlying mechanisms by examining how early parenting (i.e., warmth) and child temperament (i.e., fearlessness) predict later psychopathic traits, via conscience development (CD). Data were collected in a large sample of children (n = 2.266; 48.5% girls), aged 3 to 6 at the onset of the study (Mage = 4.25; SD = 0.91), who were followed up one and two years later. The results showed direct effects from fearlessness to interpersonal and behavioral psychopathic traits. Parental warmth, fearless temperament, and their interaction, predicted CD, which, in turn, showed a negative effect on psychopathic traits. The indirect effects indicated significant negative mediation effects of warmth through CD on psychopathic traits, which seem to be stronger when children present lower levels of fearlessness. Overall, these results contribute to better understand the development of child psychopathic traits and provide additional insight on effective strategies that will help to restrain the potential development of a high-risk profile in early childhood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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13 pages, 291 KiB  
Article
A Comparison between Severe Suicidality and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Behaviors in Bipolar Adolescents Referred to a Psychiatric Emergency Unit
by Gabriele Masi, Ilaria Lupetti, Giulia D’Acunto, Annarita Milone, Deborah Fabiani, Ursula Madonia, Stefano Berloffa, Francesca Lenzi and Maria Mucci
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(6), 790; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11060790 - 15 Jun 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2657
Abstract
Background: Severe suicide ideation or attempts and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) present both differences and relevant overlaps, including frequent co-occurrence and shared risk factors. Specific categorical diagnoses, namely bipolar disorder (BD), may affect clinical features and natural histories of suicidal or not suicidal self-harm [...] Read more.
Background: Severe suicide ideation or attempts and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) present both differences and relevant overlaps, including frequent co-occurrence and shared risk factors. Specific categorical diagnoses, namely bipolar disorder (BD), may affect clinical features and natural histories of suicidal or not suicidal self-harm behaviour. Our study aimed to compare suicidality (severe suicidal ideation or suicidal attempts) and NSSI in referred bipolar adolescents. Methods: The sample included 95 bipolar adolescents (32 males, 63 females) aged 11 to 18 years. Thirty adolescents with suicide attempts/suicidal ideation and BD (SASIB) were compared with structured measures to 35 adolescents with NSSI and BD, without suicidal ideation or attempts (NSSIB), and to 30 adolescents with BD, without suicidal ideation or attempts or NSSI (CB). Results: Compared to CB, suicidality and NSSI were both associated with female sex, borderline personality disorder and self-reported internalizing disorders, anxiety/depression and thought disorders. The NSSI were specifically associated with somatic problems. Severe suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were associated with adverse life events, immigration, bullying, eating disorders, social problems, depressive feelings, performance and social anxiety, and feelings of rejection. Conclusions: Both shared and differential features between suicidal and not suicidal adolescents may represent possible targets for diagnostic and preventative interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
15 pages, 611 KiB  
Article
Antisocial Personality Problems in Emerging Adulthood: The Role of Family Functioning, Impulsivity, and Empathy
by Eleonora Marzilli, Luca Cerniglia and Silvia Cimino
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(6), 687; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11060687 - 23 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5823
Abstract
International research has evidenced the key role played by adults’ and adolescents’ family functioning, impulsivity, and empathy in antisocial personality problems. To date, no study has assessed the complex interaction between these variables during emerging adulthood. This study aimed to explore the possible [...] Read more.
International research has evidenced the key role played by adults’ and adolescents’ family functioning, impulsivity, and empathy in antisocial personality problems. To date, no study has assessed the complex interaction between these variables during emerging adulthood. This study aimed to explore the possible interplay between antisocial personality problems, the quality of family functioning, impulsivity, and empathetic problems in a community sample of 350 emerging adults. Descriptive, correlational, hierarchical regression, and mediation analyses were performed, controlling relevant socio-demographic variables. Results showed a predictive effect of parental behavioral control, motor impulsivity, and empathetic concern in antisocial personality problems. Moreover, motor impulsivity and empathetic concern partially mediated the relationship between parental behavioral control and emerging adults’ antisocial personality problems. This study supports the recent evidence on the complex relationship between individual and relational protective and risk factors involved in antisocial personality problems during emerging adulthood, with important implications for their intervention treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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10 pages, 796 KiB  
Article
Gender, Anxiety, and Legitimation of Violence in Adolescents Facing Simulated Physical Aggression at School
by Marina B. Martínez-González, Yamile Turizo-Palencia, Claudia Arenas-Rivera, Mónica Acuña-Rodríguez, Yeferson Gómez-López and Vicente J. Clemente-Suárez
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(4), 458; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11040458 - 03 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3395
Abstract
We analyzed gender and anxiety differences in middle school students facing a physical peer aggression situation. The participants were 1147 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years (male: n = 479; female: n = 668) who watched a 12 s animation representing the [...] Read more.
We analyzed gender and anxiety differences in middle school students facing a physical peer aggression situation. The participants were 1147 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years (male: n = 479; female: n = 668) who watched a 12 s animation representing the situation and filled out a questionnaire to analyze the legitimation of violent behaviors and anxiety levels. We registered their decisions to solve the situation using a categorical scale that included assertive, avoidant, aggressive, submissive, and supportive behaviors. Gender was not associated with the adolescent’s behaviors in facing a simulated peer aggression situation. However, male teenagers tended to perceive adults as sanctioners and neutrals; those who used the diffusion of responsibility and dehumanization to justify their behavior also showed a higher state of anxiety. Female teenagers who expected legitimation from their peers, presented higher anxiety as well. Educational interventions may use these results, helping adolescents to understand that their acts have substantial implications in the lives of others. It is essential to develop group interventions that modify how adolescents manage their conflicts and change gender stereotypes that significantly impact health. We highlight the need for linking families in educational programs facing the challenges of transforming the legitimization of violence in parental practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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Other

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20 pages, 314 KiB  
Study Protocol
Neuropsychological Characterization of Aggressive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with CD/ODD and Effects of Single Doses of Medications: The Protocol of the Matrics_WP6-1 Study
by Carla Balia, Sara Carucci, Annarita Milone, Roberta Romaniello, Elena Valente, Federica Donno, Annarita Montesanto, Paola Brovedani, Gabriele Masi, Jeffrey C. Glennon, David Coghill, Alessandro Zuddas and the MATRICS Consortium
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(12), 1639; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11121639 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3364
Abstract
Aggressive behaviors and disruptive/conduct disorders are some of the commonest reasons for referral to youth mental health services; nevertheless, the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in real-world clinical practice remains unclear. In order to define more appropriate targets for innovative pharmacological therapies for disruptive/conduct [...] Read more.
Aggressive behaviors and disruptive/conduct disorders are some of the commonest reasons for referral to youth mental health services; nevertheless, the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in real-world clinical practice remains unclear. In order to define more appropriate targets for innovative pharmacological therapies for disruptive/conduct disorders, the European Commission within the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) funded the MATRICS project (Multidisciplinary Approaches to Translational Research in Conduct Syndromes) to identify neural, genetic, and molecular factors underpinning the pathogenesis of aggression/antisocial behavior in preclinical models and clinical samples. Within the program, a multicentre case-control study, followed by a single-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, randomized acute single-dose medication challenge, was conducted at two Italian sites. Aggressive children and adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) were compared to the same age (10–17 y) typically developing controls (TDC) on a neuropsychological tasks battery that included both “cold” (e.g., inhibitory control, decision making) and “hot” executive functions (e.g., moral judgment, emotion processing, risk assessment). Selected autonomic measures (heart rate variability, skin conductance, salivary cortisol) were recorded before/during/after neuropsychological testing sessions. The acute response to different drugs (methylphenidate/atomoxetine, risperidone/aripiprazole, or placebo) was also examined in the ODD/CD cohort in order to identify potential neuropsychological/physiological mechanisms underlying aggression. The paper describes the protocol of the clinical MATRICS WP6-1 study, its rationale, the specific outcome measures, and their implications for a precision medicine approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
19 pages, 1258 KiB  
Systematic Review
Biological Bases of Empathy and Social Cognition in Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Focus on Treatment with Psychostimulants
by Pamela Fantozzi, Gianluca Sesso, Pietro Muratori, Annarita Milone and Gabriele Masi
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(11), 1399; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11111399 - 24 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3416
Abstract
In recent years, there has been growing interest in investigating the effect of specific pharmacological treatments for ADHD not only on its core symptoms, but also on social skills in youths. This stands especially true for ADHD patients displaying impulsive aggressiveness and antisocial [...] Read more.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in investigating the effect of specific pharmacological treatments for ADHD not only on its core symptoms, but also on social skills in youths. This stands especially true for ADHD patients displaying impulsive aggressiveness and antisocial behaviors, being the comorbidity with Disruptive Behavior Disorders, one of the most frequently observed in clinical settings. This systematic review aimed to synthesize research findings on this topic following PRISMA guidelines and to identify gaps in current knowledge, future directions, and treatment implications. Search strategies included the following terms: ADHD; methylphenidate and other ADHD drugs; empathy, theory of mind and emotion recognition. Full-text articles were retrieved and data from individual studies were collected. Thirteen studies were finally included in our systematic review. Ten studies assessing changes in empathy and/or theory of mind in patients with ADHD treated after pharmacological interventions were identified. Similarly, seven partially overlapping studies assessing changes in emotion recognition were retrieved. Despite a great heterogeneity in the methodological characteristics of the included studies, most of them reported an improvement in emphatic and theory of mind abilities in youths with ADHD treated with psychostimulants and nonstimulant drugs, as well as positive but less consistent results about emotion recognition performances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Symptoms, Evaluation and Treatment)
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