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The genetics of antisocial behavior

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Abstract

Overall, the evidence from over 100 twin and adoption studies of antisocial behavior suggests that genetic factors account for about half of the variation in risk. However, behavioral genetic studies of antisocial behavior still tend to produce far-ranging estimates of heritability, suggesting that there may be important moderators of these genetic risk factors. In this review, the results of some recent behavioral genetic studies of antisocial behavior that focus on the following issues are examined: 1) developmental changes in the heritability of antisocial behaviors, 2) developmental subtypes of antisocial behavior disorders, 3) sex differences in the heritability of antisocial behavior, 4) cohort differences in the heritability of antisocial behavior, and 5) the genetics of antisocial behavior comorbidity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Missouri, 210 McAlester Hall, 65211, Columbia, MO, USA

    Wendy S. Slutske PhD

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  1. Wendy S. Slutske PhD
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Slutske, W.S. The genetics of antisocial behavior. Curr Psychiatry Rep 3, 158–162 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-001-0014-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-001-0014-1

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