NCJ Number
121718
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: (1989) Pages: 61-77
Date Published
1989
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Previous research has shown a relationship between perinatal factors, genetic factors, and some kinds of antisocial behavior; this study investigates a similar relationship between perinatal difficulties and genetic factors and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASP).
Abstract
ASP is a clinical diagnosis which describes persons who manifest continuous antisocial behavior beginning before age 15. The antisocial behavior is not due to either severe mental retardation, schizophrenia, or manic episodes. This study hypothesizes that ASP is related to genetic or perinatal factors in much the same way as antisocial behavior. The study involved 1,944 males born consecutively from January 1, 1936, to September 30, 1938 at Righospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. The cohort consisted of 94 men, half of whom had evidenced serious criminal behavior by age 36. Of these criminal men, 12 met the diagnostic criteria for ASP. Results showed no relationship between ASP, genetic variables, and perinatal complications. These findings imply etiological differences between antisocial behavior and ASP. 5 tables, 33 references.