Callous-unemotional (CU) traits has been studied in details in relation with antisocial development, albeit specific data indicating an association between CU traits and the type of homicide in youth are not described in the literature.

The aims of the present study were to study the occurrence of CU traits and antisocial personality disorder in Hungarian youth committed homicide.

The forensic psychopathologic reports of 169 youths (14-24 years)were analyzed, including all closed Hungarian cases within between 2005 and 2009. Complete forensic psychopathologic reports were present in 144 cases (10 females, 134 males; age: 18.5±0.2 years, mean±SEM). The following diagnoses were outlined: DSM-IV 2nd axis problem, personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder. A contextual analysis was also performed, and the presence of at least one symptom of antisocial personality disorder, the presence of one symptom of CU traits, the presence of at least two independent symptoms of CU traits.

DSM-IV 2nd axis disorder was present in 68.7%, personality disorder in 55.6%, antisocial personality disorder in 32.6%. At least one symptom of antisocial personality disorder was present in 80.6%, at least one symptom of CU traits in 61.8%, and at least two independent symptoms of CU traits in 34.0%. The highest association of violent and/or premeditated homicide was present with the occurrence of at least two CU traits symptoms.

The above data suggest the importance of CU traits in youths with high risk, and outlines the importance of describing CU traits in forensic reports in youths committed homicide.