The Center on Antisocial Drug Dependence was created to explore the relationships between genes, brain activities and risk behaviors, including those associated with increased HIV risk.
The diagram below shows the connections between these components as they relate to research on genes, risk behavior and brain function. To view more about each component of the center click on the component name below
This site is relatively new and we will be adding more information as we analyze the data. Please stay tuned for results as they become available (the publications section provides links to our most recent findings). In the meantime, we have some basic information and resources that you can access from the tabs above. If you would like more information on past research studies by the center, please visit our archived CADD site for more information
Center Overview
Component 1: Clinical and Genome Wide Association Studies (Studies of Genes & Behavior)
Component 2: Clinical Family and Community Twin, Family, & Adoption Studies (Studies of Behavior)
Component 3: Neurogenetic and Imaging Studies (Studies of the Brain & Behavior)
Component 4: Pilot Projects using center data and resources.
Center Cores:
Core A: Educational and outreach efforts of the Center, and research in ethical issues related to Center activities.
Core B: Data Management, Informatics, and Biostatistics.
Core C: Collection and storage of all blood and saliva DNA samples and genotyping on all subjects.
A main focus for the center is the exploration of Behavioral Disinhibition (BD) as it relates to risk taking behaviors and the outcomes of those behaviors. Current studies are investigating the factors that are related to bd including brain function, genes, and environmental factors. For more information on BD, please see this scientific paper entitled "Genetic and environmental influences on behavioral disinhibition".
Main Hypothesis:
Behavioral Disinhibition (BD) is an overarching behavioral trait which is expressed as an inability to resist expressing inappropriate or restricted behavior. BD related behavior includes conduct disorder problems, impulsive behavior, substance experimentation, and HIV related risk behavior.