Behavioral disinhibition: Liability for externalizing spectrum disorders and its genetic and environmental relation to response inhibition across adolescence.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0014657
• Publication Date: 2009-02-18T02:40:07Z
• Authors: Susan E. Young; Naomi P. Friedman; Akira Miyake; Erik G. Willcutt; Robin P. Corley; Brett C. Haberstick; John K. Hewitt
• Keywords: Disinhibition; Conduct disorder; Cognitive inhibition

Behavioral disinhibition has been characterized as a generalized vulnerability to externalizing disorders. Despite increasing evidence for its validity and heritability, the structural stability of behavioral across adolescence strength etiology relation executive functions have not studied. In this multivariate twin study, authors assessed using measures tapping substance use, conduct disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), novelty seeking at ages 12 17. Executive were with laboratory-based cognitive tasks age Results indicated that, 12, was dominated by ADHD problems highly heritable. At 17, contributions 4 components more balanced, proportion variance attributable genetic factors somewhat smaller, additional due shared environmental influences. both ages, closely related response inhibition than other (working memory updating task-set shifting), relationship primarily in origin. These results highlight dynamic nature suggest that may be an important mechanism underlying disinhibitory psychopathology.