Inside the Brain of a Psychopath
Institute of Human Anatomy・30 minutes read
Psychopaths and sociopaths have different brain structures and environmental influences, with genetic factors like the low activity variant of the MAOA gene contributing to psychopathy. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational decision-making, may be impaired in individuals with antisocial personality disorder, leading to risk-taking behavior and difficulties with moral and ethical decisions.
Insights
- Psychopaths and sociopaths have distinct differences in brain structure and development, with psychopathy linked to genetic factors like the low functioning variant of the MAOA gene, more prevalent in males, while sociopathy is primarily influenced by environmental conditions.
- Individuals with antisocial personality disorder (APD) exhibit underactivity in brain regions responsible for morality, empathy, and rational decision-making, indicating a neurological basis for their behavior that includes impaired development of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and altered serotonin levels, potentially influenced by childhood traumatic experiences.
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Recent questions
What distinguishes psychopathy from sociopathy?
Psychopathy involves physical issues and environmental factors, while sociopathy is primarily influenced by environmental conditions.
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Summary
00:00
Understanding Psychopathy: Brain Structure and Behavior
- Psychopaths have a different brain structure compared to non-psychopaths, with this video aiming to provide insight into the psychopathic brain.
- Psychopathy is part of anti-social personality disorder (APD), which also includes sociopathy, borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder.
- Psychopathy and sociopathy are differentiated by physical issues combined with environmental factors for psychopaths, while sociopaths are primarily influenced by environmental conditions.
- Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in brain function, with low functioning variants of the MAOA gene linked to psychopathy.
- The MAOA gene, located on the X chromosome, is more prevalent in males, contributing to the higher incidence of psychopathy in males.
- The low activity variant of the MAOA gene is a predictor of aggression and psychopathy but does not guarantee aggressive behavior.
- Environmental conditions and brain alterations during development likely interact with genetic factors to influence the development of psychopathy.
- PET scans have revealed low activity in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system of individuals with APD when contemplating moral and ethical dilemmas.
- Areas responsible for morality and empathy, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, show underactivity in individuals with APD.
- The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational decision-making and risk assessment, is the last brain region to develop and may be impaired in individuals with APD.
15:53
Maturation, brain development, and antisocial behavior prevention.
- Human maturation takes around 25 years, during which individuals learn from various sources about moral and ethical decisions.
- Different brain regions, like the anterior cingulate and dorso, provide feedback to the dlpfc regarding moral issues.
- Reduced serotonin levels in psychopaths affect brain development, leading to rationalizing irrational behavior.
- Childhood traumatic experiences, such as abuse or witnessing crimes, can amplify psychopathic tendencies.
- Sociopathy can also stem from childhood trauma, altering brain regions and causing low functioning.
- Both psychopaths and sociopaths lack empathy and anxiety, leading to risk-taking behavior.
- Psychopaths are calculated, intelligent, and often gravitate towards positions of power.
- Sociopaths are more impulsive and show cruelty without remorse, akin to a rabid dog.
- Current technology and medicine struggle to treat psychopathy due to genetic and brain structure issues.
- Improving parenting and being better role models could potentially prevent the development of antisocial personality disorders.
30:39
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- Users engage in interactive lessons that are constantly updated, making learning fun and active, leading to actual retention of knowledge, with thousands of lessons available covering various subjects like science and technology.
