The addition of this specifier reflects efforts to identify syndromes characterized by combinations of clinical and neurocognitive features. Callous–unemotional traits, which occur in fewer than half of young persons with conduct disorder, identify a subgroup with distinctive clinical features and neurocognitive perturbations. As compared with youth with conduct disorder who show remorse, empathy, and concern about school performance, those with callous–unemotional traits have a poorer prognosis and treatment response.3,6,7 The current review contrasts research on these two subgroups to illustrate how combining clinical and neurocognitive perspectives might facilitate outcome prediction and the development of new therapeutics.
