Comorbidity of Conduct Problems and ADHD: Identification of "Fledgling Psychopaths"

Recently, researchers have focused on a group of children and youth who are at high risk for developing a lifelong pernicious pattern of antisocial and delinquent behavior.These children exhibit a behavior pattern characterized by hyperactivity-impulsivity-inattention coupled with conduct problems such as fighting, stealing, truancy, noncompliance, and arguing. These students have been referred to as "fledgling psychopaths" and appear to be highly resistant to interventions. In this article we review the literature on this group of students in terms of epidemiology and prognosis. Procedures for early identification of these students will be described and discussed. Key themes surrounding this early identification process are its proactive nature and resistance to intervention as bases for decision making concerning these students.