We do know that multiple dimensions of psychopathy can contribute to research on and diagnosis of conduct disorder: The question is how

Abstract

In a critique of a review by Frick (2022), Salekin (2022) perpetuates several misinterpretations of the research extending the construct of psychopathy to research and diagnostic classification of children with Conduct Disorder Specifically, he proposes that the existing research, including the research reviewed by Frick, does not support limiting the extension to a single construct and proposes that the diagnostic criteria should consider more dimensions than just the callous-unemotional (CU) dimension. My response shows that these concerns are misleading and divert attention from several critical issues. That is, contrary to Salekin's assertion, the focus of my review was not on whether multiple dimensions of psychopathy should inform research and diagnosis of Conduct Disorder but on how this should be done based on available research. Further, contrary to Salekin's assertion, multiple dimensions of psychopathy are already integrated into diagnostic classification for childhood disruptive behavior disorders. The focus of my review was whether the available research currently supports a different method of integrating them. Unfortunately, by trying to promote a false narrative, Salekin's response could limit research to address these critical issues and lead to harmful consequences for children with disruptive behavior disorders.