Inside the Brain of a Psychopath
Institute of Human Anatomy・2 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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