1. Empirical Research on Psychopathy Biological Influences
THE PSYCHOPATH
Empirical Research on Psychopathy
Biological Influences
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

2. Biological Origins of Psychopathy
Research gaining the most attention in recent years is in neuroanatomy and neuropsychology with focus on the:
Prefrontal cortex
Orbitofrontal cortex
Limbic System
Amygdala
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

3. J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University
The Human Brain
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

4. Components of the Human Brain
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

5. J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University
Brain Imaging
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
first scanning method to provide information on brain function as well as anatomy
used in conjunction with small amounts of radiolabeled compounds to visualize brain anatomy and function.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
newest most versatile medical imaging technology available - useful for imaging the brain and spine
Produces highly refined images of the body's interior without surgery by using strong magnets and pulses of radio waves
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

6. Research by Adrian Raine
Found that violent offenders have shrunken prefrontal cortexes
Affective but not predatory murderers show anomalies on PET scans
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

7. J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University
The Prefrontal Cortex
Plays a role in higher cognitive functions, such as concentration, planning, judgment, emotions, and personality determination.
Damage to the orbitofrontal cortex may play a role in violent behavior.
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

8. Research by James Blair
Dysfunction in the psychopath’s brain lies in the amygdala
Amygdala regulates FEAR and emotion -dysfunction of Amygdala explains the psychopath’s lack of fear and empathy.
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

9. J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University
The Amygdala
Part of the Limbic System located within the temporal lobe
controls social and sexual behavior and other emotions.
plays a critical role in processing emotion and mediating fear.
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

10. J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University
Additional Findings
Murderers:
Reduced prefrontal activity
Poor functioning of the left angular gyrus (lies at junction of the temporal, parietal, and occipital regions) – linked to reduced verbal ability
Reductions in functioning of the corpus callosum (which provides lines of communication between left and right hemispheres) – associated with inappropriate emotional expression and inability to comprehend long-term implications.
Psychopaths:
Inhibited startle reflex in response to emotionally aversive stimuli.
Low autonomic arousal as measured through skin conductivity/galvanic skin response
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

11. J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University
The Final Word?
Theories are not mutually exclusive
Must be considered within an integrative framework
Evidence from neuroimaging studies, and biological research findings in general, is promising but inconclusive.
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

12. J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University
Treatment
Treatment implications of the biological perspective?
                                                         
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University

13. J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University
Recommended Reading
Raine, A. (1993). The Psychopathology of Crime. New York: Academic Press.
Raine, A. & Dunkin, J. (1990). The genetic and psychophysiological basis of antisocial behaviour: Implications for counseling and therapy. Journal of Counseling & Development, 68,
Raine, A. & Sanmartin, J. (Eds.) (2001). Violence and Psychopathy. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.
J.B. Helfgott, PhD/ Department of Criminal Justice/ Seattle University