The relative influence of conduct problems and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the development of adolescent psychopathy

An in depth literature review was conducted into the relative influence of conduct problems and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the development of child/adolescent psychopathy. Lynam (1996) wrote that children/adolescents exhibiting behaviors of both were ‘fledgling psychopaths;’ however, recent evidence suggests that if youth with comorbid conduct problems and ADHD exhibit a persistent form of antisocial and/or psychopathic behavior, the cause is primarily due to the levels of conduct problems, not the influence of ADHD. This article looks at the three perspectives regarding the development of psychopathy: (1) Conduct Problem Mediation, (2) the Independent Position, and (3) the Comorbid Subtype. The studies examining the three perspectives found that the Conduct Problem Mediation, not the Comorbid Subtype, was the most important in the development of psychopathy.

► Conduct problems are significant in the development of adolescent psychopathy.
► ADHD does not play a significant role in the development of adolescent psychopathy.
► Internalizing behaviors are not significant predictors of adolescent psychopathy.
► Externalizing behaviors can be significant predictors of adolescent psychopathy.