EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF THE FLEDGLING PSYCHOPATH - LOCATING THE PSYCHOPATHIC CHILD IN THE CURRENT NOMENCLATURE

This research attempted to test D. R. Lynam's (1996) hypothesis regard ing the developmental relation between adult psychopathy and children with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention problems (H IA) and concurrent conduct problems (CP). In a large sample of adolesc ent boys, 4 groups (non-HIA-CP, HIA only, CP only, and HIA-CP) were co mpared on measures found to discriminate between psychopathic and nonp sychopathic offenders. In line with predictions, the HIA-CP boys most closely resembled psychopathic adults. HIA-CP boys scored higher than HIA-only and non-HIA-CP boys on a measure of psychopathic personality. As with their adult counterparts. HIA-CP boys were the most antisocia l, were the most disinhibited, and tended to be the most neuropsycholo gically impaired of all the groups. Implications for treatment, resear ch, and the study of comorbidity are discussed.