Annual research review: a developmental psychopathology approach to understanding callous-unemotional traits in children and adolescents with serious conduct problems

Frick's comprehensive annual review establishing the case for CU traits ("limited prosocial emotions" LPE specifier in DSM-5) as a distinct subtype of conduct problems. CU-high subgroup shows: earlier onset, more severe and persistent conduct problems, distinct neurobiological profile (reduced amygdala reactivity to distress cues), reduced sensitivity to punishment, and weaker response to standard parent training. Implication: CU-positive cases need differential intervention.