Background: Antisocial behaviour in childhood and adolescence has been associated with more serious offending in adulthood [1]. Recent evidence suggests that the consideration of calluous and unemotional traits may further define the psychopathology [2]. It is clear that individuals can have different trajectories with early onset persistent problems identifying a particularly high risk group [3]. Other research has also shown a number of antecedents reflecting child characteristics (such as uncontrolled temperament and low self-esteem), parenting skills and the home environment including inter-parental conflict [4, 5]. Studies have also shown associations between exposures during pregnancy and behaviour many years later [5]. But to date research on dietary influences and in particular the role of omega-3 fatty acids has been limited. What evidence exists warrants further investigation of these issues [6].

Aims: To examine and further refine the phenotype based upon potential comorbid characteristics such as particular facets of behaviour, motor skills, language impairments and IQ. To explore the associations of varying risk groups with fish intake and fatty acids.

Hypotheses: (a) That high intakes of omega-3 as reflected in high fish intakes and high blood levels will lower risk for antisocial and callous behaviour. Such effects may be more strongly associated with DHA.

(b) That the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids reflecting an inflammatory response index may independently increase risk of outcomes.

(c) That the fetal environment as reflected by maternal fatty acids and fish intake may 'program' the child to be more susceptible or more resilient to potential risk factors.

Outcomes: Antisocial and callous behaviour taking account of other comorbid conditions.

Exposures: Fish intake and fatty acids obtained from blood samples.

Confounders: Socio-economic, maternal psychopathology, parenting and the home environment.

Analyses are likely to be untaken in parallel both in the USA and Bristol.

References

1. Benda BB, Corwyn RF, Toombs NJ. Recidivism among adolescent serious offenders: Prediction of entry into correctional system for adults. Criminal Justice and Behavior 28:5 (2001), pp 588-613

2. Rowe R, Maughan B, Moran P, Ford T, Briskman J, Goodman R. The role of callous and unemotional traits in the diagnosis of conduct disorder. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 51:6 (2010), pp 688-695

3. Barker ED, Oliver BR, Maughan B. Co-occurring problems of early onset persistent, childhood limited, and adolescent onset conduct problem youth. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 51:11 (2010), pp 1217-1226

4. Bowen E, Heron J, and Steer C. Anti-Social and Other Problem Behaviours Among Young Children: Findings From the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. London: Home Office; 2008. Report 02/08.

5. Barker ED, Maughan B. Differentiating Early-Onset Persistent Versus Childhood-Limited Conduct Problem Youth. American Journal of Psychiatry 166:8 (2009), pp 900-908

6. Kohlboeck G, Glaser C, Tiesler C, Demmelmair H, Standl M, Romanos M, Koletzko B, Lehmann I, Heinrich J, for the LISAplus Study Group. Effect of fatty acid status in cord blood serum on children's behavioral difficulties at 10 y of age: results from the LISAplus Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 94:6 (2011), pp1592-1599.