Childhood Psychopathy

Introduction
A child or an adolescent being diagnosed with psychopathy is a controversial concept and yet there are a number of studies that purport to assess psychopathic traits within these groups. This has stemmed from evidence that key symptoms of psychopathy (at least when looking into the histories of adult psychopathic patients) have been indicative of an early onset with symptoms beginning in childhood or early adolescence. (Johnstone & Cooke, 2004). Psychopathy, at least in adults, is a viable construct and is often indicative of criminality, violence, substance abuse and results in decidedly poorer responsivity to treatment and as such highlights the importance of recognizing these early symptoms and planning intervention and treatment strategies. (Johnstone & Cooke, 2004; Skeem, Monahan, & Mulvey, 2003; Hempill, Hare, & Wong, 1998; Salekin, Rogers & Sewell, 1996).
The study of psychopathy in children and adolescents is hardly a new concept first being proposed by Cleckley (1941) and then more in depth by McCord and McCord (1959/1964) in their book The Pyschopath: An Essay on the Criminal Mind which, perhaps most importantly, emphasized that psychopathy in youth was decidedly different than other conduct disorders (being much rarer) and highlighting the need for early intervention for adolescents showing psychopathic traits (Salekin & Frick, 2005). So if psychopathy does indeed begin to manifest in childhood or adolescence how do we accurately measure it and how (if at all) can we treat it? Here we will discuss the relevant research on psychopathy and psychopathic traits primarily in children and early adolescents, discuss the current assessment measures, possible treatment strategies, as well as exploring the relatio...

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For this paper I plan to first define and outline the features of psychopathy. Then I will explore how traits of psychopathy are measured and present in children and adolescents and subsequently what relation there is between the expression of these traits in both 9childhood and adolescence and later criminality. Finally I plan to conclude my paper with possible interventions to help prevent persistent delinquent and criminal behavior as well as exploring any criticisms of measuring psychopathy and interventions in both adults and children.