Neurobiological factors in the development of psychopathic traits in children and adolescents – research review
Keywords:
psychopathy, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, cortisol, neuroimaging, gene-environment interactionAbstract
In this paper we provide an overview of the recently performed research on neurobiological foundations of psychopathy in children and adolescents. Cognitive and affective-emotional processing deficits typical for psychopathic individuals are often associated with abnormal brain structure and function, particularly the amygdala and orbito-frontal cortex. For example, there is some evidence, although limited, that lower cortisol levels is being associated with psychopathic-like traits in children and adolescents. Integrated perspective on role of some hormones (e.g. peripheral steroid hormones such as cortisol) and brain structures (e.g. insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala) involved in development of psychopathic-like behavior will provide clinicians with deeper understanding of mechanisms underpinning this form of psychopathology. Results of neuroimaging study also strongly suggest dysfunction of some brain areas, particularly frontal and temporal lobe structures, in psychopathy. Although the investigation of biological factors in etiology and course of psychopathy antisocial behavior has made a great progress in recent years, research in this field still is in its early phase. Further studies are necessary on interactions neurobiological factors with sociocultural factors and early life experience.
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