[Conduct disorder - is there an evidence base for classification and treatment?]

This article concerns whether present psychiatric criteria for conduct disorder have sufficient predictive validity. Recent neurobiological findings are briefly summarized which suggest a more specific phenotyping of the early starter subtype of conduct disorder on the basis of neurobiological and personality correlates. Findings are discussed concerning deficits in neurobiological functioning with regard to emotion perception and emotion regulation relevant to social and aggressive behaviour as well as possible mediating influences of early psychosocial experiences on the development of neurobiological functions. The clinical implications for the classification, course and therapy of conduct disorders are also considered.