The predictive value of stress-related neurobiological parameters for disruptive behaviors after 5-year follow-up in delinquent male adolescents

Background: A small number of longitudinal studies on the predictive value of stressrelated neurobiological parameters for several measures of future disruptive behavior, have revealed promising results. We assessed the predictive value of heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and cortisol for future rule-breaking behavior and reactive and proactive aggression, taking into account disruptive behavior at baseline. Methods: Participants were 78 delinquent males, mean age 13.7 years. At baseline assessment, cortisol, heart rate and HRV were measured at rest and in response to a standardized public speaking task. At baseline assessment and at 5-year followup, disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) were assessed using a structured psychiatric interview. The subscales rule-breaking behavior and aggressive behavior of the Youth Self Report were administered, as well as the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. results: Low resting HRV significantly predicted reactive aggression at follow-up, over and above baseline reactive aggression (Beta = -.435; R = 15.4%). Furthermore, there were significant interactions between neurobiological parameters and baseline disruptive behavior in relation to disruptive behavior at follow-up. These interactions showed that high resting heart rate and low resting HRV predicted aggressive behavior at follow-up, when baseline aggression was low. Attenuated heart rate responsivity predicted proactive aggression at follow-up, when baseline proactive aggression was high. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence that neurobiological parameters have predictive value for juvenile disruptive behavior after 5-year follow-up, over and above baseline disruptive behavior. Furthermore, results indicate that distinctive neurobiological profiles may underlie reactive and proactive aggression. 21536_marjan_de_vries_080212.indd 42 09-02-12 12:50