Research reveals conduct disorders easier to detect in boys

A study from University of Washington found that boys between the ages of 8 and 12 who are diagnosed with conduct and oppositional defiance disorders have lower heart rates and sweat less at rest than boys without these conditions.

However, girls who participated in the study did not show the same responses as their counterparts.

The study shows that boys with no previous record of conduct issues got excited while playing a video game for money, but those with the condition showed no emotional response. Conversely girls in both groups exhibited no differences in how they responded researchers found.

Individuals who exhibit oppositional defiance disorder show signs of refusing to do what adults say, usually ending after elementary school, experts say. Nevertheless, research shows if left untreated, symptoms can develop into conduct disorders that encourage behaviors such as stealing and vandalism.

Studies show that schools for troubled girls help identify and alleviate problems associated with conduct disorders.

Experts say that impulsivity is 80 percent inheritable in boys which puts them more at risk for conduct disorders. However, researchers have yet to find how girls develop these conditions, but add that ineffective parenting or associating with negative influences can cause the behavior.