Brain abnormalities in antisocial, psychopathic individuals

Abstract

Since the 19th century it has been speculated that structural and functional impairment of the prefrontal cortex predisposes to antisocial, psychopathic behaviour, but it is only in the last few years that brain imaging research has been utilised to scientifically test this hypothesis. This review summarises findings from brain imaging research on antisocial, psychopathic, and aggressive individuals. It is concluded that impairments in a frontal-temporal circuit (i.e. the ventral and lateral regions of the prefrontal cortex, superior temporal gyrus, amygdala-hippocampal complex, and the anterior cingulate cortex) may be associated with antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy. It is hypothesised that abnormalities in frontal-temporal-subcortical circuits may contribute, at least in part, to antisocial and psychopathic features including poor inhibitory control, reward dominance, lack of remorse, fearlessness, shallow affect, and impaired moral judgment. Studies with larger and more homogeneous antisocial groups are needed to further examine this hypothesis. (Netherlands Journal of Psychology, 63, 156-165.)