Studies indicated that low level of central serotonin is positively correlated with aggression, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Low level of dopamine is related to mood complication/swing and lack of attention. When these two neurotransmitter are insufficient, people are more likely to develop CD and ASPD.

Neurochemical factors in CD

Peer relation is one of the factor that has direct influence on child development. Factors like childhood aggression, social withdrawal, and lack of social skills can contribute to peer rejection. This rejection leads a child away from prosocial peer groups and toward antisocial peers. Under peer influence, risk of substance abuse and other delinquencies increase. 

Psychosocial factors in CD (1)

Past studies had hinted the heritability of antisocial traits. Twin studies found that more monozygotic twins show higher level of antisocial behaviors than dizygotic twins. Moreover, in a meta-analysis of twin adoption study,  researchers found that 50% of the variance found in measures of antisocial behaviors can be ascribed to genetic effects. 

Genetic factors in CD

ADHD is one of the most highly related predisposing factor of antisocial behaviors. The hyperactivity component in ADHD and impulsivity can easily lead to cognitive deficiency and poor peer relationship. 

Intrinsic individual difference in CD: ADHD

To prevent the development of conduct disorder into antisocial personality disorder, risk factors are recognized and sorted into following categories:

1. Intrinsic individual differences
2. Psychosocial and familial factors
3. Genetic and nutritional factors
4. Neurochemical factors

Wake Forest University

Disorder Class: Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders

A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated, as manifested by the presence of three (or more) of the following criteria in the past 12 months from any of the categories below, with at least one criterion present in the past 6 months:
1. Aggression to people and  animals
2. Destruction of property
3. Deceitfulness or theft
4. Serious violations of rules
 
The disturbance in behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
 
If the individual is age 18 years or older, criteria are not met for Antisocial Personality Disorder
 
Specify age onset:  Individuals show at least one symptom characteristic of conduct disorder prior to age 10 years

[DSM-5] Conduct Disorder Criteria

Holmes, S., Slaughter, J., & Kashani, J. (2004). Risk Factors in Childhood That Lead to the Development of Conduct Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 31(3), 183-193.

Risk Factors of CD and ASPD

Antisocial behaviors can start in childhood and proceed itself to adolescence and even adulthood. Relevant data reported that in 1997, 17% of all violent crimes (murder, rape, etc.) and 35% of all property crimes (robbery, arson, etc.) were committed by juvenile under the age of 18. This statistics decreased in following years, but still, 7% of all violent crimes and 18% of all property crimes were committed by youth below age 18. 

Related statistics of Juvenile delinquency

Risk factors of conduct disorder

Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are two major disruptive disorders that could be diagnosed to children. Both disorders are associated with children having antisocial behaviors. The critical differences between CD and ODD are severity of antisocial behavior and age. ODD is more common in children at age 10 or younger. CD is more common in children at age 11 or above. However, symptom characteristics can happen at early age in both disorders. 

Conduct disorder's differences with related disorders (1)

Early recognition and interventions on conduct disorder's development include psychotherapy and pharmacological intervention. Dopaminergic and serotonergic medications can be administered to reduce aggression and improve attention. Children with ADHD and emotional disorders respond especially well to this strategy.

Interventions on conduct disorder (1)

Reference for Impulse-control Disorders

Impulse-control Disorders are characterized by constantly engaging in potentially harmful behaviors, feeling incapable of preventing oneself from behaving this way, and suffering from desperation if efforts to carry out the behaviors are obstructed.

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