ABSTRACT
A developmental trajectory for psychopathy has robust evidence with cases of children expressing psychopathic traits that continue into adolescence and adulthood. Many children exhibit negative traits that are considered as normative age-related behaviour. It’s a concern when negative behaviour occurs early, frequently and long term, and hence, there are two typologies of antisocial behaviour: life-course-persistent (early onset) and adolescent-limited (later onset). Disruptive behavioural disorders (DBDs) include ODD and CD, but ADHD overlaps with DBDs. Children with these disorders have conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits in common and become increasingly difficult to control. Children aged two to four years can be assessed using the PCL-YV for manipulative, selfish, lying, guiltless, remorseless, CU and impulsive traits. These traits expressed in children are also exhibited in delinquent youths and adult psychopaths. ODD, CD and ADHD have biological underpinnings and antisocial behaviour run in families. Of the three gene-environmental interactions – passive, active and evocative – evocative effects are the most studied. The DRD4–7T configuration of the DRD4 gene which affects temperament is an example. Primary psychopathy is associated with high CU and CP, and secondary psychopathy is associated with the addition of high anxiety. CU traits link ODD, CD and ADHD to adult psychopathy.
