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Antisocial Individuals (antisocial + individual)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Psychology100%

Selected Abstracts

A meta-analysis of serotonin metabolite 5-HIAA and antisocial behavior

AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR, Issue 4 2002
Todd M. Moore
Abstract During the past 25 years, researchers have examined the relationship between neurochemical variables and antisocial behavior in human adults, but none has been studied more intensely than the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). The goal of the current study was to employ meta-analytic procedures to quantitatively evaluate selected evidence on the relationship between 5-HIAA and antisocial behavior. It was expected that antisocial groups would show reduced cerebrospinal fluid 5-HIAA compared with non,antisocial groups. This study also aimed to assess moderators that could influence the relationship between 5-HIAA and antisociality. An electronic search and strict inclusion criteria identified 20 reports used in this meta-analysis. Results showed a significant overall mean effect size (ES = ,.45, P < .05) in the direction of lowered 5-HIAA in antisocial vs. non,antisocial groups. A significant moderating effect for age indicated that groups comprised of antisocial individuals younger than 30 years exhibited larger negative effect sizes (ES = ,1.37, P < .05) than groups with older subjects (ES = ,.31, P < .05). There were no moderating effects for gender, target of violence, history of suicide, and alcoholism. Age effects may help explain age-related declines in crime. The fact that effects did not differ based on other moderating variables supports models of reduced serotonin in antisocial individuals, regardless of type of crime or psychiatric problems. Aggr. Behav. 28:299,316, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Annotation: Understanding the development of psychopathy

THE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 8 2004
Essi Viding
Background:, Psychopaths are not only antisocial, but also have a callous and unemotional personality profile. This article selectively reviews evidence that psychopathic personality traits are an important factor in understanding and predicting the development of persistent antisocial conduct. Cognitive neuroscience research and more tentative genetic work on psychopathy will be discussed, especially as they relate to possible developmental trajectories to psychopathy. Results:, A personality-based approach has been successful in clarifying the conceptual boundaries of psychopathy and delineating a group of antisocial individuals with a distinct profile of offending and clear neurocognitive markers indicating problems in processing distress in others and punishment directed to oneself. These markers are also present in children with psychopathic tendencies, suggesting that psychopathy may be a developmental disorder. The neurocognitive profile relates to the callous and unemotional personality traits at the core of psychopathy and may index particular vulnerability to persistent antisocial conduct. Preliminary twin studies suggest that personality traits at the core of psychopathy are much more highly heritable than other personality traits. There are as yet no molecular genetic studies of psychopathy. Conclusions:, It is argued that an interdisciplinary approach that integrates cognitive neuroscience and genetics will enhance understanding of the development of psychopathy. [source]

Brain abnormalities in antisocial individuals: implications for the law

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW, Issue 1 2008
Yaling Yang B.S.
With the increasing popularity in the use of brain imaging on antisocial individuals, an increasing number of brain imaging studies have revealed structural and functional impairments in antisocial, psychopathic, and violent individuals. This review summarizes key findings from brain imaging studies on antisocial/aggressive behavior. Key regions commonly found to be impaired in antisocial populations include the prefrontal cortex (particularly orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), superior temporal gyrus, amygdala,hippocampal complex, and anterior cingulate cortex. Key functions of these regions are reviewed to provide a better understanding on how deficits in these regions may predispose to antisocial behavior. Objections to the use of imaging findings in a legal context are outlined, and alternative perspectives raised. It is argued that brain dysfunction is a risk factor for antisocial behavior and that it is likely that imaging will play an increasing (albeit limited) role in legal decision-making. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]