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Choy O, Raine A. The Neurobiology of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Neuropharmacology 2024:110150. [PMID: 39244014 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite increasing recognition that there is a neurobiological basis of antisocial behavior in addition to its psychosocial foundation, much less is known about the specificity of the neurobiological findings to the psychiatric condition of antisocial personality disorder (APD). This article provides a review of research on genetic, brain imaging, neurocognitive, and psychophysiological factors in relation to assessments of APD. Findings show that there are significant genetic effects on APD, particularly related to the serotonergic system, as well as abnormalities in brain regions such as the frontal lobe. Associations between psychophysiological measures of autonomic nervous system functioning and APD are more mixed. Results indicating that APD has a significant genetic basis and is characterized by abnormalities in brain structure/function and neurocognitive impairments provide additional evidence that supports the conceptualization of APD as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Findings may also help inform treatment approaches that target neurobiological risks for APD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Choy
- Department of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University.
| | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania.
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2
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Burghart M, Schmidt S, Mier D. Executive functions in psychopathy: a meta-analysis of inhibition, planning, shifting, and working memory performance. Psychol Med 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39229691 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724001259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Much research has focused on executive function (EF) impairments in psychopathy, a severe personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, antisocial behavior, and a disregard for social norms and moral values. However, it is still unclear to what extent EF deficits are present across psychopathy factors and, more importantly, which EF domains are impaired. The current meta-analysis answers these questions by synthesizing the results of 50 studies involving 5,694 participants from 12 different countries. Using multilevel random-effects models, we pooled effect sizes (Cohen's d) for five different EF domains: overall EF, inhibition, planning, shifting, and working memory. Moreover, differences between psychopathy factors were evaluated. Our analyses revealed small deficits in overall EF, inhibition, and planning performance. However, a closer inspection of psychopathy factors indicated that EF deficits were specific to lifestyle/antisocial traits, such as disinhibition. Conversely, interpersonal/affective traits, such as boldness, showed no deficits and in some cases even improved EF performance. These findings suggest that EF deficits are not a key feature of psychopathy per se, but rather are related to antisociality and disinhibitory traits. Potential brain correlates of these findings as well as implications for future research and treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Burghart
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Criminology, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sergej Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Daniela Mier
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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3
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Jansen JM, Franse ME. Executive functioning in antisocial behavior: A multi-level systematic meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 109:102408. [PMID: 38430781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Neurobiological information - including executive functioning - is increasingly relevant for forensic clinical practice, as well as for the criminal justice system. Previous meta-analyses report that antisocial populations show impaired performance on executive functioning tasks, but these meta-analyses are outdated, have limitations in their methodological approach, and are therefore in need of an update. The current multi-level meta-analysis including 133 studies (2008-2023) confirms impaired performance in executive functioning (d=.42), but studies are heterogeneous. Several moderator analyses showed that neuropsychological test used, type of executive function component, and control group characteristics moderated the overall effect. Specifically, matching psychiatric problems in the non-antisocial control group eliminated any differences in executive functioning between groups. No moderation effects were found for assessment quality, hot or cold executive functions, and various population characteristics. These results could indicate that the assessment of executive functioning in antisocial populations may be less relevant for recidivism risk assessment than thought, although this should first be assessed in prospective longitudinal studies. Executive functioning could potentially be used to identify or screen for individuals with certain treatment needs or be used as a responsivity factor, especially in disorders which are often underdiagnosed in criminal justice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochem Milan Jansen
- Institute for Criminal Law & Criminology, Faculty of Law, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands; Inforsa, Arkin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Melanie Elisabeth Franse
- Netherlands Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Science and Education, Herman Gorterstraat 5, 3511EW Utrecht, Netherlands; Institute of Education and Child Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333AK Leiden, Netherlands
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4
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Griem J, Kolla NJ, Tully J. Key challenges in neurocognitive assessment of individuals with antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1007121. [PMID: 36119943 PMCID: PMC9478175 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1007121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Griem
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Julia Griem
| | - Nathan J. Kolla
- Department for Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Research Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Research and Academics, Division, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
| | - John Tully
- Academic Unit of Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Belvederi Murri M, Folesani F, Costa S, Biancosino B, Zerbinati L, Ounalli H, Rossetto A, Caruso R, Nanni MG, Grassi L. The Relationship Between Cognitive Abilities and Trait Clinical Features in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:730-749. [PMID: 33779282 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2020_34_497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Very few studies have focused on the relationship between cognitive functions and clinical features in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Subjects with BPD and healthy controls were administered the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, Trail Making Test A and B, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53) was used to assess the severity of current symptoms. Attachment style was assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationship Questionnaire, identity integration with the Personality Structure Questionnaire, and other domains of personality dysfunction with the RUDE Scale for Personality Dysfunction. Patients with BPD performed significantly worse than healthy controls in all cognitive domains. Cognitive functions, particularly delayed memory and visuospatial abilities, displayed meaningful associations with trait-like clinical features, above the effect of global cognition and state psychopathology. These findings highlight the need to evaluate effects of cognitive rehabilitation on trait features among individuals with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martino Belvederi Murri
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Folesani
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Costa
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Bruno Biancosino
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addiction, Ferrara Health Agency, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Zerbinati
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Heifa Ounalli
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Agnese Rossetto
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosangela Caruso
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Nanni
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Grassi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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León-Domínguez U, Solís-Marcos I, López-Delgado CA, Martín JMBY, León-Carrión J. A Frontal Neuropsychological Profile in Fitness to Drive. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2020; 148:105807. [PMID: 33069156 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2020.105807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Traffic accidents are a global concern due to the elevated mortality rates of both drivers and pedestrians. The World Health Organization declared 2011-2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety, endorsing initiatives to reduce traffic-related deaths. Yet, despite these incentives, fatal accidents still occur. Different studies have linked deficits in executive functions to risky driving attitudes and crashes. The present study focuses on demographic, cognitive and personality factors, related to the prefrontal cortex, that are characteristic of drivers prone to risky behavior behind the wheel. The penalty Points System was used to classify drivers as "safe", with no point loss over a two-year period, or "risky", with full point loss during the same interval. A neuropsychological assessment of prefrontal cognitive functions was carried out on each group to identify variables associated with safe and risky behavior. Neuropsychological indexes were obtained from a continuous performance task without cue (Simple Attention), a continuous performance task with cue (Conditioned Attention), the Tower of Hanoi test and the Neurologically-related Changes in Personality Inventory (NECHAPI). A Discriminant Analysis (DA) found that education level, reaction times in Simple and Conditioned Attention, learning errors in the Tower of Hanoi and vulnerability in the personality test, best predicted whether drivers were likely to be in the safe or risky group. Finally, a cross-validation analysis performed on the same sample correctly classified 87.5% of the drivers. These data suggest that prefrontal dysfunction contributes to risky behavior behind the wheel. The inclusion of cognitive programs to identify and train drivers with this propensity could reduce risky driving, and consequently, save lives on the road.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto León-Domínguez
- Human Cognition and Brain Research lab, School of Psychology, University of Monterrey, San Pedro Garza, García, Mexico.
| | - Ignacio Solís-Marcos
- The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) Linköping, Sweden
| | | | | | - José León-Carrión
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain; Center for Brain Injury Rehabilitation (CRECER), Seville, Spain
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Vaughan RS, Madigan DJ. The winner takes it all: The mediating role of competitive orientations in the Dark Triad and sport task performance relationship. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:1183-1192. [PMID: 32940582 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1825822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) are prevalent in athletes. However, currently, we do not know whether the Dark Triad confers any competitive advantages in sport. To address this issue, the present study had two aims. First, to examine whether the Dark Triad predicted task performance in a basketball free throw task. Second, to examine whether competitive orientations explained (i.e. mediated) this relationship. A sample of 189 athletes (mean age = 19.11 years) completed measures of the Dark Triad, competitive orientations, and task performance (basketball free throw task). Regression analyses indicated that the Dark Triad predicted better task performance. In addition, mediation analyses indicated that the Dark Triad-performance relationship was explained by both hypercompetitive and self-developmental competitive orientations. The present study provides the first evidence that the Dark Triad may lead to better task performance in sport, and that this effect may be driven by athletes' competitive orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Vaughan
- School of Science, Technology and Health, York St John University, York, UK
| | - Daniel J Madigan
- School of Science, Technology and Health, York St John University, York, UK
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de la Fuente J, González-Torres MC, Aznárez-Sanado M, Martínez-Vicente JM, Peralta-Sánchez FJ, Vera MM. Implications of Unconnected Micro, Molecular, and Molar Level Research in Psychology: The Case of Executive Functions, Self-Regulation, and External Regulation. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1919. [PMID: 31507487 PMCID: PMC6719524 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of research production in Psychology as a science has been increasing exponentially. This situation leads to the necessity of organizing the research production into different levels of analysis that make it possible to delimit each research domain. The objective of this analysis is to clearly distinguish the different levels of research: micro-analysis, molecular, and molar. Each level is presented, along with an analysis of its benefits and limitations. Next, this analysis is applied to the topics of Executive Functions, Self-Regulation, and External Regulation. Conclusions, limitations, and implications for future research are offered, with a view toward a better connection of research production across the different levels, and an allusion to ethical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús de la Fuente
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,School of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | | | - José Manuel Martínez-Vicente
- School of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Center of Research of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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Delfin C, Andiné P, Hofvander B, Billstedt E, Wallinius M. Examining Associations Between Psychopathic Traits and Executive Functions in Incarcerated Violent Offenders. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:310. [PMID: 30050476 PMCID: PMC6050384 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) are essential in almost all aspects of daily life and have been robustly related to antisocial behavior. However, the relationship between psychopathy and EFs has remained equivocal. Research investigating lower-level trait dimensions of psychopathy using standardized EF measures could be beneficial in addressing this issue. In this study, we examined associations between four EFs and four dimensions of psychopathic traits (interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, antisocial) using zero-order correlation and a combination of classical and Bayesian statistical methods. Two hundred and fourteen incarcerated male violent offenders were assessed with the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised and completed tests of cognitive flexibility, spatial working memory, response inhibition, and planning and problem-solving using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Lifestyle psychopathic traits were significantly associated with reduced initial thinking time in a planning and problem-solving task, with a Bayes factor indicating substantial evidence for the observed correlation, and antisocial psychopathic traits showed a significant association with reduced initial thinking time in the same task, although the Bayes factor indicated only anecdotal evidence. Significant associations were also found between affective and antisocial psychopathic traits and less efficient strategic thinking in a spatial working memory task, and between affective, lifestyle and antisocial psychopathic traits and fewer problems solved in a planning and problem-solving task, although these findings were not corroborated by the Bayesian analysis. While the observed effects ranged between small and medium, our study suggests that reduced initial thinking times in planning and problem-solving is robustly associated with higher degrees of lifestyle and antisocial psychopathic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Delfin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research and Development Unit, Regional Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Peter Andiné
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Björn Hofvander
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eva Billstedt
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Märta Wallinius
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research and Development Unit, Regional Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Sedgwick O, Young S, Baumeister D, Greer B, Das M, Kumari V. Neuropsychology and emotion processing in violent individuals with antisocial personality disorder or schizophrenia: The same or different? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2017; 51:1178-1197. [PMID: 28992741 DOI: 10.1177/0004867417731525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess whether there are shared or divergent (a) cognitive and (b) emotion processing characteristics among violent individuals with antisocial personality disorder and/or schizophrenia, diagnoses which are commonly encountered at the interface of mental disorder and violence. Cognition and emotion processing are incorporated into models of violence, and thus an understanding of these characteristics within and between disorder groups may help inform future models and therapeutic targets. METHODS Relevant databases (OVID, Embase, PsycINFO) were searched to identify suitable literature. Meta-analyses comparing cognitive function in violent schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder to healthy controls were conducted. Neuropsychological studies not comparing these groups to healthy controls, and emotion processing studies, were evaluated qualitatively. RESULTS Meta-analyses indicated lower IQ, memory and executive function in both violent schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder groups compared to healthy controls. The degree of deficit was consistently larger in violent schizophrenia. Both antisocial personality disorder and violent schizophrenia groups had difficulties in aspects of facial affect recognition, although theory of mind results were less conclusive. Psychopathic traits related positively to experiential emotion deficits across the two disorders. Very few studies explored comorbid violent schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder despite this being common in clinical practice. CONCLUSION There are qualitatively similar, but quantitatively different, neuropsychological and emotion processing deficits in violent individuals with schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder which could be developed into transdiagnostic treatment targets for violent behaviour. Future research should aim to characterise specific subgroups of violent offenders, including those with comorbid diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottilie Sedgwick
- 1 Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,2 Broadmoor Hospital, West London Mental Health Trust, Crowthorne, UK
| | - Susan Young
- 2 Broadmoor Hospital, West London Mental Health Trust, Crowthorne, UK.,3 Centre for Mental Health, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Baumeister
- 1 Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ben Greer
- 2 Broadmoor Hospital, West London Mental Health Trust, Crowthorne, UK
| | - Mrigendra Das
- 2 Broadmoor Hospital, West London Mental Health Trust, Crowthorne, UK
| | - Veena Kumari
- 4 Research and Development, Sovereign Health Group, San Clemente, CA, USA
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Psychopathy, Executive Functions, and Neuropsychological Data: a Response to Sifferd and Hirstein. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-016-9291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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