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Investigated the relationship of platelet serotonergic measures to conduct disorder type, severity of aggression, and social skills impairment. Standardized assessments of diagnosis, aggression, impulsivity, and social skills were obtained from 43 male adolescents (aged 13-17 yrs) incarcerated at an involuntary residential treatment facility for juvenile offenders. Blood samples were collected and assayed for whole blood serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) and platelet [-sup-3H]-paroxetine-labeled 5-HT-transporter binding. Whole blood 5-HT was higher in Ss with conduct disorder, childhood type than in Ss with conduct disorder, adolescent type. Whole blood 5-HT was positively correlated with violence rating of the current offense and total offense points, and staff ratings of social skills impairment. Findings are consistent with a relationship between 5-HT dysregulation and aggressive behavior in incarcerated adolescent boys with conduct disorder, particularly of childhood onset.
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