Risk factors associated with the co-occurrence of hyperactivity-impulsivity-inattention and conduct problems

The research community recently has identified a group of children who exhibit behaviors characterized by hyperactivity-impulsivity-inattention (HIA) and conduct problems (CP). This group has been referred to as fledgling psychopaths (FP or HIA + CP). Although researchers and practitioners alike recognize the need for early intervention, there is less certainty surrounding the stability of the HIA + CP construct. The intent of this investigation was to (a) determine what percentage of children identified as fledgling psychopath (HIA + CP) in third grade continue to meet HIA +CP criteria in fifth grade and (b) differentiate students who do, and do not, continue to meet HIA + CP criteria in fifth grade. Results indicated that of the 37 students who met the HIA + CP criteria in third grade, 35% (n = 13) continued to meet HIA + CP criteria in fifth grade. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the three groups of students (i.e., those who remained stable, those who improved, and those who became worse) differed significantly from each other on several key risk and protective variables. Limitations of this investigation are discussed, and directions for future research are provided.