Variations in Pathways Into and Out of Antisocial Behavior From the Perspective of Developmental Psychopathology

Abstract Antisocial behaviors in children and adolescents are heterogeneous. Given the developmental changes occurring around adolescence, antisocial behaviors become less frequent as young people pass into late adolescence and adulthood. However, some people exhibit severe and persistent behavioral difficulties associated with a high level of functional impairment. In recent decades, a substantial amount of research literature has been devoted to identifying homogeneous subgroups of children and adolescents with antisocial behaviors, to better identify the natural course of symptoms and ultimately to improve quality of care. Cumulative scientific data showed that the early onset of antisocial behaviors and a lack of prosocial emotion predict a poor prognosis. This position was finally endorsed in the influential American psychiatric classificatory system, in which these features are considered to specify the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fifth Edition diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD). Other factors including psychiatric comorbidities and cognitive characteristics affect the pathways of antisocial behaviors. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors is also implicated in the course of these difficulties. The need for a better understanding of antisocial behavior pathways and better management of patients with CDs is crucial.