Abstract

PIHET, S.; SUTER, M.; HALFON, O.  and  STEPHAN, P.. Profile of male adolescents with conduct disorder on intellectual efficacy, cognitive flexibility, cognitive coping, impulsivity and alexithymia: A comparison with high-risk controls. Eur. J. Psychiat. [online]. 2012, vol.26, n.4, pp.215-226. ISSN 0213-6163.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0213-61632012000400001.

Background and Objectives: To specify which of the documented cognitive and emotional deficits characterize adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) compared with high-risk controls. Methods: High-risk adolescent males with and without CD were compared on intellectual efficiency, cognitive flexibility, impulsivity, alexithymia, and cognitive coping strategies. Substance use was controlled for in analyses. Results: Both groups showed normal intellectual efficiency and cognitive flexibility, as well as heightened alexithymia and behavioral impulsivity. Youths with CD evidenced more self-defeating and black-and-white thinking under stress, and more acting-out under negative affect, than those without CD. Conclusions: Deficits specific to CD resided in facets of emotional functioning and cognitive coping that might be targeted by a coping skills intervention.

Keywords : Adolescence; High-risk; Conduct disorder; Emotional deficits; Cognitive deficits.

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