1
|
Kaggwa MM, Chaimowitz GA, Erb B, Moulden H, Prat S, Davids A, Olagunju AT. Adverse childhood events and self-harming behaviours among individuals in Ontario forensic system: the mediating role of psychopathy. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:332. [PMID: 38693475 PMCID: PMC11064378 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05771-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood events (ACEs), psychopathy, and self-harming behaviours are prevalent among individuals in the forensic psychiatry system. While existing literature suggests that ACEs, self-harm, and psychopathy are interrelated, little is known about the interplay of psychopathic traits in this relationship. The present study aimed to determine the mediating role of psychopathy in the relationship between ACEs and self-harming behaviours in forensic patients. METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients under the Ontario Review Board (ORB) between 2014 and 2015. In the analysis, we included patients with complete data on ACEs, self-harming behaviours, and a Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) score - a measure of psychopathic traits and their severity conducted during the reporting period. Mediation analysis was based on the Baron and Kenny approach, and sensitivity analysis was performed based on the types of ACEs. RESULTS The sample population (n = 593) was made up of adults, with a mean age of 41.21 (± 12.35) years and were predominantly males (92.37%). While there was a partial mediating effect of psychopathy on the relationship between ACEs and incidents of self-harming behaviours in the past year, the mediation was complete in the relationship between ACEs and a lifetime history of self-harming behaviours. Following sensitivity analysis based on the types of ACE, the mediating effects were more attributed to specific ACEs, especially having experienced child abuse or having an incarcerated household member before 18 years. CONCLUSION Among forensic patients in Ontario, psychopathy mediates the relationship between experiencing ACEs and engaging in self-harming behaviours. Effective intervention to mitigate self-harming behaviours in this population should consider the potential role of psychopathy, especially among individuals who have experienced ACEs involving a history of child abuse and a family who was incarcerated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Mohan Kaggwa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Gary A Chaimowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Bailea Erb
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Moulden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sebastien Prat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Arianna Davids
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew T Olagunju
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Forensic Psychiatry Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rhoads SA, O'Connell K, Berluti K, Ploe ML, Elizabeth HS, Amormino P, Li JL, Dutton MA, VanMeter AS, Marsh AA. Neural responses underlying extraordinary altruists' generosity for socially distant others. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad199. [PMID: 37416875 PMCID: PMC10321390 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Most people are much less generous toward strangers than close others, a bias termed social discounting. But people who engage in extraordinary real-world altruism, like altruistic kidney donors, show dramatically reduced social discounting. Why they do so is unclear. Some prior research suggests reduced social discounting requires effortfully overcoming selfishness via recruitment of the temporoparietal junction. Alternatively, reduced social discounting may reflect genuinely valuing strangers' welfare more due to how the subjective value of their outcomes is encoded in regions such as rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and amygdala. We tested both hypotheses in this pre-registered study. We also tested the hypothesis that a loving-kindness meditation (LKM) training intervention would cause typical adults' neural and behavioral patterns to resemble altruists. Altruists and matched controls (N = 77) completed a social discounting task during functional magnetic resonance imaging; 25 controls were randomized to complete LKM training. Neither behavioral nor imaging analyses supported the hypothesis that altruists' reduced social discounting reflects effortfully overcoming selfishness. Instead, group differences emerged in social value encoding regions, including rostral ACC and amygdala. Activation in these regions corresponded to the subjective valuation of others' welfare predicted by the social discounting model. LKM training did not result in more generous behavioral or neural patterns, but only greater perceived difficulty during social discounting. Our results indicate extraordinary altruists' generosity results from the way regions involved in social decision-making encode the subjective value of others' welfare. Interventions aimed at promoting generosity may thus succeed to the degree they can increase the subjective valuation of others' welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn A Rhoads
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Katherine O'Connell
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Kathryn Berluti
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Montana L Ploe
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Hannah S Elizabeth
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Paige Amormino
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Joanna L Li
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Mary Ann Dutton
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Ashley Skye VanMeter
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Abigail A Marsh
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van de Groep IH, G N Bos M, Jansen LMC, Popma A, Crone EA. Through the looking glass: the neural basis of self-concept in young adults with antisocial trajectories. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2023; 18:7156805. [PMID: 37154430 PMCID: PMC10165683 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-concept is shaped by social experiences, but it is not yet well understood how the neural and behavioral development of self-concept is influenced by a history of antisocial behavior. In this pre-registered study, we examined neural responses to self-evaluations in young adults who engaged with antisocial behavior in childhood and either desisted or persisted in antisocial behavior. A self-concept task was performed by 94 young adults (age range 18-30 years). During the task, participants with a persistent or desistent antisocial trajectory (n = 54) and typically developing young adults (n = 40) rated whether positive and negative traits in different domains (prosocial and physical) described themselves. We examined both the effects of a history of antisocial behavior as well as current heterogeneity in psychopathic traits on self-concept appraisal and its neural underpinnings. Participants endorsed more positive trait statements than negative across domains, which did not differ between antisocial-history groups. However, current psychopathic traits were negatively associated with prosocial self-concept and medial prefrontal cortex activity during self-evaluation. Together, these findings suggest that antisocial tendencies might indeed be reflected in self-concept development of young adults, specifically in the prosocial domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilse H van de Groep
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University, Rotterdam 3062 PA, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1100 DD Amsterdam Zuidoost, The Netherlands
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 AK, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke G N Bos
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 AK, The Netherlands
| | - Lucres M C Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1100 DD Amsterdam Zuidoost, The Netherlands
| | - Arne Popma
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1100 DD Amsterdam Zuidoost, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline A Crone
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University, Rotterdam 3062 PA, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 AK, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Anselmo A, Lucifora C, Rusconi P, Martino G, Craparo G, Salehinejad MA, Vicario CM. Can we rewire criminal mind via non-invasive brain stimulation of prefrontal cortex? Insights from clinical, forensic and social cognition studies. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-11. [PMID: 35600259 PMCID: PMC9107958 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Non-compliance with social and legal norms and regulations represents a high burden for society. Social cognition deficits are frequently called into question to explain criminal violence and rule violations in individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (APD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), and psychopathy. In this article, we proposed to consider the potential benefits of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to rehabilitate forensic population. We focused on the effects of NIBS of the prefrontal cortex, which is central in social cognition, in modulating aggression and impulsivity in clinical disorders, as well as in forensic population. We also addressed the effect of NIBS on empathy, and theory of mind in non-clinical and/or prison population. The reviewed data provide promising evidence on the beneficial effect of NIBS on aggression/impulsivity dyscontrol and social cognitive functions, suggesting its relevance in promoting reintegration of criminals into society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Anselmo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università di Messina, via Concezione 6-8, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Lucifora
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (ISTC-CNR), Roma, RM Italy
| | - Patrice Rusconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università di Messina, via Concezione 6-8, 98121 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Martino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Craparo
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE-Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Mohammad A. Salehinejad
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carmelo M. Vicario
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cognitive, Psicologiche, Pedagogiche e Degli Studi Culturali, Università di Messina, via Concezione 6-8, 98121 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mendez MF. THE IMPLICATIONS OF FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA FOR BRAIN DYSFUNCTION IN PSYCHOPATHY. Biol Psychol 2022; 171:108342. [PMID: 35487297 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108342] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how psychopathy compares with brain disease can help clarify its underlying mechanisms. This literature review is a broad overview of the neurobiology of psychopathic traits in comparison to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), a disorder uniquely associated with criminal behavior. In addition to violation of social norms, both psychopathy and bvFTD result in impaired socioemotional perception and empathy, impulsivity, and altered moral judgment. Despite wide areas of decreased function in psychopathy, structural changes are primarily evident in amygdala and, to a lesser extent, anterior insula, whereas in bvFTD neuropathology involves a wider paralimbic region. In psychopathy, relatively intact medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices facilitate theory of mind and psychopathic traits such as deceitfulness and manipulation, bold fearlessness, and risk-taking behavior. In conclusion, many frontotemporal areas are hypoactive in psychopathy and bvFTD, but differences in dysfunctional connectivity in psychopathy vs. direct involvement in bvFTD potentially explain similarities and differences between these two conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario F Mendez
- Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA); Neurology Service, Neurobehavior Unit, V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jeon D, Choi J, Yang AR, Yoo JS, Kim S, Lee SK, Chu K. Chronic social stress during early development elicits unique behavioral changes in adulthood. ENCEPHALITIS 2022; 2:45-53. [PMID: 37469652 PMCID: PMC10295912 DOI: 10.47936/encephalitis.2021.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Chronic social stress is known to induce inflammation in the brain, and early-life stress affects the brain and social behavior in adulthood. To study the relationship between social stress in childhood development and social behavior in adulthood, we subjected mice to a sequential early-life social stresses and characterized their adult behavioral phenotypes. Methods C57BL/6 mice were sequentially subjected to maternal separation (MS), social defeat (SD), and social isolation (SI) in that order. The body weights of the MS/SD/SI mice were measured. Behavioral tasks related to anxiety, depression, locomotion, learning/memory, and repetitive/compulsive-like behavior were conducted. Social behaviors suggesting sociability, social interaction, aggression, and social fear were investigated. Results MS/SD/SI mice weighed less than the control mice. At 7 and 8 weeks of age. These mice displayed normal behaviors in anxiety-, depression-, and learning/memory-related tasks, but they exhibited increased locomotor activity and a low level of repetitive/compulsive-like behavior. Notably, they exhibited increased social interaction, impaired empathy-related fear, reduced predator fear, and increased defensive aggressiveness. Conclusion Social stress during childhood development resulted in behavioral alterations, and MS/SD/SI mice generated by mimicking child abuse or maltreatment showed unique abnormalities in social behaviors. MS/SD/SI mice might be useful not only to study the relationship between social stress and brain inflammation but also psychosocial behaviors observed in individuals with brain disorders, such as psychopaths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiye Choi
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ah Reum Yang
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Seok Yoo
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kim
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Kun Lee
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kon Chu
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics, Department of Neurology, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Effects of group affiliation on neural signatures of fairness norm violations in antisocial violent offenders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110355. [PMID: 34004194 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
While norm-violating behavior in antisocial individuals has been widely studied, little is known about how these people react to unfair behavior directed towards them. Previous research yields inconclusive results with some evidence for rational and strategic behavior in antisocial individuals. Electrophysiological correlates as well as socio-contextual factors such as group affiliation that may inform decision making on fairness considerations have not been investigated in previous studies. This study compared fairness considerations of antisocial violent offenders (N = 25) and controls (N = 26) by using the Ultimatum Game where one player proposes a split of resources and the other player has to respond by accepting or declining the offer. Group affiliation of the proposer (in- vs. out-group) and fairness of offers (fair vs. unfair) were manipulated. We found no difference between groups regarding decision behavior. However, healthy participants showed an electrophysiological response to group affiliation, which was attenuated in the violent offender group. This data suggests intact understanding of social norms in antisocial violent offenders while electrophysiological response pattern may be linked to impaired emotional reactions to expectancy violations.
Collapse
|
8
|
Miglin R, Rodriguez S, Bounoua N, Sadeh N. A Multidimensional Examination of Psychopathy Traits and Gray Matter Volume in Adults. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 17:662-672. [PMID: 34878140 PMCID: PMC9250300 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncovering the neurobiological abnormalities that may contribute to the manifestation of psychopathic traits is an important step toward understanding the etiology of this disorder. Although many studies have examined gray matter volume (GMV) in relation to psychopathy, few have examined how dimensions of psychopathic traits interactively relate to GMV, an approach that holds promise for parsing heterogeneity in neurobiological risk factors for this disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the affective-interpersonal (Factor 1) and impulsive-antisocial (Factor 2) dimensions of psychopathy in relation to cortical surface and subcortical GMV in a mixed-gender, high-risk community sample with significant justice-system involvement (N = 156, 50.0% men). Cortex-wide analysis indicated that (i) the Factor 1 traits correlated negatively with GMV in two cortical clusters, one in the right rostral middle frontal region and one in the occipital lobe, and (ii) the interaction of the affective-interpersonal and impulsive-antisocial traits was negatively associated with GMV bilaterally in the parietal lobe, such that individuals high on both trait dimensions evidenced reduced GMV relative to individuals high on only one psychopathy factor. An interactive effect also emerged for bilateral amygdalar and hippocampal GMV, such that Factor 1 psychopathic traits were significantly negatively associated with GMV only at high (but not low) levels of Factor 2 traits. Results extend prior research by demonstrating the neurobiological correlates of psychopathy differ based on the presentation of Factor 1 and 2 traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rickie Miglin
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Samantha Rodriguez
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Nadia Bounoua
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Naomi Sadeh
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ye S, Zhu B, Zhao L, Tian X, Yang Q, Krueger F. Connectome-based model predicts individual psychopathic traits in college students. Neurosci Lett 2021; 769:136387. [PMID: 34883220 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136387] [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: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychopathic traits have been suggested to increase the risk of violations of socio-moral norms. Previous studies revealed that abnormal neural signatures are associated with elevated psychopathic traits; however, whether the intrinsic network architecture can predict psychopathic traits at the individual level remains unclear. METHODS The present study utilized connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) to investigate whether whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) can predict psychopathic traits in the general population. Resting-state fMRI data were collected from 84 college students with varying psychopathic traits measured by the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP). RESULTS Functional connections that were negatively correlated with psychopathic traits predicted individual differences in total LSRP and secondary psychopathy score but not primary score. Particularly, nodes with the most connections in the predictive connectome anchored in the prefrontal cortex (e.g., anterior prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex) and limbic system (e.g., anterior cingulate cortex and insula). In addition, the connections between the occipital network (OCCN) and cingulo-opercular network (CON) served as a significant predictive connectome for total LSRP and secondary psychopathy score. CONCLUSION CPM constituted by whole-brain RSFC significantly predicted psychopathic traits individually in the general population. The brain areas including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system and large-scale networks including the CON and OCCN play special roles in the predictive model-possibly reflecting atypical cognitive control and affective processing for individuals with elevated psychopathic traits. These findings may facilitate detection and potential intervention of individuals with maladaptive psychopathic tendency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuer Ye
- Department of Psychology, Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- School of Marxism, Zhejiang Yuexiu University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China; Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Tian
- Department of Psychology, Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qun Yang
- Department of Psychology, Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Frank Krueger
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jalava J, Griffiths S, Larsen RR, Alcott BE. Is the Psychopathic Brain an Artifact of Coding Bias? A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:654336. [PMID: 33912115 PMCID: PMC8071952 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.654336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Questionable research practices are a well-recognized problem in psychology. Coding bias, or the tendency of review studies to disproportionately cite positive findings from original research, has received comparatively little attention. Coding bias is more likely to occur when original research, such as neuroimaging, includes large numbers of effects, and is most concerning in applied contexts. We evaluated coding bias in reviews of structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) studies of PCL-R psychopathy. We used PRISMA guidelines to locate all relevant original sMRI studies and reviews. The proportion of null-findings cited in reviews was significantly lower than those reported in original research, indicating coding bias. Coding bias was not affected by publication date or review design. Reviews recommending forensic applications—such as treatment amenability or reduced criminal responsibility—were no more accurate than purely theoretical reviews. Coding bias may have contributed to a perception that structural brain abnormalities in psychopaths are more consistent than they actually are, and by extension that sMRI findings are suitable for forensic application. We discuss possible sources for the pervasive coding bias we observed, and we provide recommendations to counteract this bias in review studies. Until coding bias is addressed, we argue that this literature should not inform conclusions about psychopaths' neurobiology, especially in forensic contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarkko Jalava
- Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Okanagan College, Penticton, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Griffiths
- Department of Psychology, Okanagan College, Penticton, BC, Canada.,Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen
- Forensic Science Program and Department of Philosophy, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - B Emma Alcott
- Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Balancing the brain of offenders with psychopathy? Resting state EEG and electrodermal activity after a pilot study of brain self-regulation training. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0242830. [PMID: 33411746 PMCID: PMC7790284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although investigation of the brains of criminals began quite early in the history of psychophysiological research, little is known about brain plasticity of offenders with psychopathy. Building on our preliminary study reporting successful brain self-regulation using slow cortical potential (SCP) neurofeedback in offenders with psychopathy, we investigated the central nervous and autonomic peripheral changes occurring after brain self-regulation in a group of severe male offenders with psychopathy. Regarding the central nervous system, an overall suppression of the psychopathic overrepresentation of slow frequency bands was found, such as delta and theta band activity, after EEG neurofeedback. In addition, an increase in alpha band activity could be observed after the SCP self-regulation training. Electrodermal activity adaptively changed according to the regulation task, and this flexibility improved over training time. The results of this study point towards a constructive learning process and plasticity in neural and peripheral measures of offenders with psychopathy.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lam BYH, Huang Y, Gao Y. Gray matter asymmetry in the orbitofrontal cortex in relation to psychopathic traits in adolescents. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 132:84-96. [PMID: 33068818 PMCID: PMC7736323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural abnormalities in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of incarcerated psychopaths have been well documented. However, the neural correlates of psychopathic traits in younger and nonclinical samples remain poorly understood. AIM The present study aimed to examine the structural brain asymmetry in the OFC in relation to dimensions of psychopathic traits in adolescents from the community. METHOD In 29 youths from the community, childhood psychopathic traits including narcissism, impulsivity, and callous-unemotional traits were assessed when they were 7- to 10 years old (Time 1), and their gray matter (GM) volumes were measured using structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging when they were 10- to 14 years old (Time 2). RESULTS After controlling for age, sex, IQ, pubertal stage, and whole-brain volumes, callous-unemotional traits were associated with right-left asymmetry in the medial OFC (mOFC), that is, smaller right mOFC GM as compared to the left. Impulsivity was associated with left-right asymmetry in the mOFC, that is, smaller left mOFC than the right. Narcissism was not associated with any GM asymmetry measure. No significant association was found for the lateral OFC, amygdala, caudate and putamen. CONCLUSION The present findings provide further support that dimensions of psychopathic traits may have distinct neurobiological correlates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bess Yin- Hung Lam
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,Correspondence: Dr. Bess Yin-Hung Lam, address:
| | - Yonglin Huang
- Brooklyn College, The City University of New York,The Graduate Center, City University of New York
| | - Yu Gao
- Brooklyn College, The City University of New York,The Graduate Center, City University of New York
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Deming P, Koenigs M. Functional neural correlates of psychopathy: a meta-analysis of MRI data. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:133. [PMID: 32376864 PMCID: PMC7203015 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0816-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies over the last two decades have begun to specify the neurobiological correlates of psychopathy, a personality disorder that is strongly related to criminal offending and recidivism. Despite the accumulation of neuroimaging studies of psychopathy, a clear and comprehensive picture of the disorder's neural correlates has yet to emerge. The current study is a meta-analysis of functional MRI studies of psychopathy. Multilevel kernel density analysis was used to identify consistent findings across 25 studies (460 foci) of task-related brain activity. Psychopathy was associated with increased task-related activity predominantly in midline cortical regions overlapping with the default mode network (dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate, and precuneus) as well as medial temporal lobe (including amygdala). Psychopathy was related to decreased task-related activity in a region of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex overlapping with the salience network. These findings challenge predominant theories of amygdala hypoactivity and highlight the potential role of hyperactivity in medial default mode network regions and hypoactivity in a key node of the salience network during task performance in psychopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Deming
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 West Johnson St., Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 6001 Research Park Blvd., Madison, Wisconsin, 53719, USA.
| | - Michael Koenigs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 6001 Research Park Blvd., Madison, Wisconsin, 53719, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Psychiatrie, neurologie : faut-il revenir à la neuropsychiatrie ? Encephale 2019; 45:283-284. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
15
|
Behavioral and electrophysiological responses to fairness norm violations in antisocial offenders. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 269:731-740. [PMID: 29397410 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-018-0878-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a stable, lifelong pattern of disregard for and violation of others' rights. Disruptions in the representation of fairness norms may represent a key mechanism in the development and maintenance of this disorder. Here, we investigated fairness norm considerations and reactions to their violations. To examine electrophysiological correlates, we assessed the medial frontal negativity (MFN), an event-related potential previously linked to violations of social expectancy and norms. Incarcerated antisocial violent offenders (AVOs, n = 25) and healthy controls (CTLs, n = 24) acted as proposers in the dictator game (DG) and ultimatum game (UG) and received fair vs. unfair UG offers from either another human (social context) or a computer (non-social context). Results showed that AVOs made lower offers in the DG but not the UG, indicating more rational and strategic behavior. Most importantly, when acting as recipients in the UG, acceptance rates were modulated by social context in CTLs, while AVOs generally accepted more offers. Correspondingly, ERP data indicated pronounced MFN amplitudes following human offers in CTLs, whereas MFN amplitudes in AVOs were generally reduced. The current data suggest intact fairness norm representations but altered reactions to their violation in antisocial personality disorder.
Collapse
|
16
|
Baliousis M, Duggan C, McCarthy L, Huband N, Völlm B. Executive function, attention, and memory deficits in antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy. Psychiatry Res 2019; 278:151-161. [PMID: 31200194 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy attempt to represent individuals demonstrating callousness and disregard for others. ASPD has been criticized for capturing a heterogeneous population whilst missing the essence of the diagnosis by neglecting interpersonal/affective deficits which measures of psychopathy include. This heterogeneity in operationalizations has led to diverse findings without clear understanding of what characterizes this broader population. This study sought to clarify the neuropsychological profiles of ASPD and psychopathy. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery was administered to 85 adult male offenders in a personality disorder secure service and to 20 healthy controls. Of patients with ASPD, 46% met criteria for psychopathy. Of those with psychopathy, 89% met criteria for ASPD. There were two sets of comparisons: ASPD versus other personality disorders versus controls and psychopathy versus other personality disorders versus controls. ASPD showed deficits across executive functions, visual short-term and working memory, and attention (compared with controls). Psychopathy showed deficits limited to attention, complex planning, inhibitory control, and response reversal. Response reversal and visual search deficits appeared specific to ASPD and psychopathy versus other personality disorders and may underpin antisocial traits. Additional deficits in inhibitory control and working memory appeared to distinguish ASPD from other personality disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Baliousis
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK; Arnold Lodge RSU, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Leicester, UK.
| | - Conor Duggan
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK; Arnold Lodge RSU, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Lucy McCarthy
- Arnold Lodge RSU, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Nick Huband
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Birgit Völlm
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Psychopathic traits are related to diminished guilt aversion and reduced trustworthiness during social decision-making. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7307. [PMID: 31086201 PMCID: PMC6514208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with high levels of psychopathic tendencies tend to show a lack of guilt, a lack of empathic concern, and a disregard for the impact of their decisions on others. However, how guilt influences social decision-making for those with high psychopathic traits is still unknown. Here, we investigated how psychopathic traits relate to the capacity to acquire knowledge about social expectations, and to what extent guilt aversion affects subsequent decision-making. 63 participants completed self-report measures of psychopathy, and then played a modified Trust Game in the role of the Trustee. Results showed that participants’ self-reported beliefs about their partner’s expectations were largely predictive of the amount of money they returned to the partner. These decisions were negatively correlated with the PPI-I scores. Furthermore, participants’ degree of guilt aversion were negatively correlated with PPI total scores. Our findings suggest that individuals with higher psychopathic traits are indeed capable of understanding the expectations of others, but do not seem to directly utilise this knowledge in their social decision-making, and experience less anticipated guilt about this. The present study provides empirical evidence of intact social knowledge coupled with decreased reciprocity and diminished guilt aversion as levels of psychopathic traits increase.
Collapse
|
18
|
Zijlmans J, Bevaart F, van Duin L, Luijks M, Popma A, Marhe R. Error-related brain activity in relation to psychopathic traits in multi-problem young adults: An ERP study. Biol Psychol 2019; 144:46-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
19
|
Petanjek Z, Sedmak D, Džaja D, Hladnik A, Rašin MR, Jovanov-Milosevic N. The Protracted Maturation of Associative Layer IIIC Pyramidal Neurons in the Human Prefrontal Cortex During Childhood: A Major Role in Cognitive Development and Selective Alteration in Autism. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:122. [PMID: 30923504 PMCID: PMC6426783 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human specific cognitive shift starts around the age of 2 years with the onset of self-awareness, and continues with extraordinary increase in cognitive capacities during early childhood. Diffuse changes in functional connectivity in children aged 2-6 years indicate an increase in the capacity of cortical network. Interestingly, structural network complexity does not increase during this time and, thus, it is likely to be induced by selective maturation of a specific neuronal subclass. Here, we provide an overview of a subclass of cortico-cortical neurons, the associative layer IIIC pyramids of the human prefrontal cortex. Their local axonal collaterals are in control of the prefrontal cortico-cortical output, while their long projections modulate inter-areal processing. In this way, layer IIIC pyramids are the major integrative element of cortical processing, and changes in their connectivity patterns will affect global cortical functioning. Layer IIIC neurons have a unique pattern of dendritic maturation. In contrast to other classes of principal neurons, they undergo an additional phase of extensive dendritic growth during early childhood, and show characteristic molecular changes. Taken together, circuits associated with layer IIIC neurons have the most protracted period of developmental plasticity. This unique feature is advanced but also provides a window of opportunity for pathological events to disrupt normal formation of cognitive circuits involving layer IIIC neurons. In this manuscript, we discuss how disrupted dendritic and axonal maturation of layer IIIC neurons may lead into global cortical disconnectivity, affecting development of complex communication and social abilities. We also propose a model that developmentally dictated incorporation of layer IIIC neurons into maturing cortico-cortical circuits between 2 to 6 years will reveal a previous (perinatal) lesion affecting other classes of principal neurons. This "disclosure" of pre-existing functionally silent lesions of other neuronal classes induced by development of layer IIIC associative neurons, or their direct alteration, could be found in different forms of autism spectrum disorders. Understanding the gene-environment interaction in shaping cognitive microcircuitries may be fundamental for developing rehabilitation and prevention strategies in autism spectrum and other cognitive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zdravko Petanjek
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dora Sedmak
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Džaja
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Hladnik
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mladen Roko Rašin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Nataša Jovanov-Milosevic
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Thomson ND, Kiehl KA, Bjork JM. Violence and aggression in young women: The importance of psychopathy and neurobiological function. Physiol Behav 2019; 201:130-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
21
|
MacDougall EAM, Salekin RT, Gillen CTA. Adolescent psychopathy, heart rate, and skin conductance. Psychophysiology 2019; 56:e13344. [PMID: 30776096 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have advocated for a greater focus on measuring neurobiological underpinnings of serious psychological conditions such as psychopathy. This has become particularly important to investigate early in the life span, when intervention efforts for psychopathy-related behavior like conduct disorder (CD) are more successful. Given that psychopathy is a complex syndrome, it is also important to investigate physiological processes at a dimensional level. Using a sample of 56 adolescent male offenders (Mage = 15.92; SD = 1.31), this study explored the relationship between the Psychopathy Checklist-Youth Version (Forth, Kosson, & Hare, 2003), heart rate (HR), and skin conductance (SC). A white noise countdown task was used to measure autonomic activity across a baseline, anticipatory (prenoise), and reactivity (postnoise) period. Findings revealed no significant associations between psychopathy and HR activity across the time intervals. However, results revealed a positive association between grandiose-manipulative traits and SC activity and a negative association between callous-unemotional traits and SC activity. The results indicate that autonomic processes may contribute to distinct psychopathic traits in different ways, implicating slightly differential brain functioning. The findings suggest that, in order to better understand and treat youth with CD, future research should continue to examine the biological correlates of psychopathy at the broader construct level but perhaps especially at the component level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Randall T Salekin
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Johanson M, Vaurio O, Tiihonen J, Lähteenvuo M. A Systematic Literature Review of Neuroimaging of Psychopathic Traits. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:1027. [PMID: 32116828 PMCID: PMC7016047 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Core psychopathy is characterized by grandiosity, callousness, manipulativeness, and lack of remorse, empathy, and guilt. It is often comorbid with conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Psychopathy is present in forensic as well as prison and general populations. In recent years, an increasing amount of neuroimaging studies has been conducted in order to elucidate the obscure neurobiological etiology of psychopathy. The studies have yielded heterogenous results, and no consensus has been reached. AIMS This study systematically reviewed and qualitatively summarized functional and structural neuroimaging studies conducted on individuals with psychopathic traits. Furthermore, this study aimed to evaluate whether the findings from different MRI modalities could be reconciled from a neuroanatomical perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS After the search and auditing processes, 118 neuroimaging studies were included in this systematic literature review. The studies consisted of structural, functional, and diffusion tensor MRI studies. RESULTS Psychopathy was associated with numerous neuroanatomical abnormalities. Structurally, gray matter anomalies were seen in frontotemporal, cerebellar, limbic, and paralimbic regions. Associated gray matter volume (GMV) reductions were most pronounced particularly in most of the prefrontal cortex, and temporal gyri including the fusiform gyrus. Also decreased GMV of the amygdalae and hippocampi as well the cingulate and insular cortices were associated with psychopathy, as well as abnormal morphology of the hippocampi, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens. Functionally, psychopathy was associated with dysfunction of the default mode network, which was also linked to poor moral judgment as well as deficient metacognitive and introspective abilities. Second, reduced white matter integrity in the uncinate fasciculus and dorsal cingulum were associated with core psychopathy. Third, emotional detachment was associated with dysfunction of the posterior cerebellum, the human mirror neuron system and the Theory of Mind denoting lack of empathy and persistent failure in integrating affective information into cognition. CONCLUSIONS Structural and functional aberrancies involving the limbic and paralimbic systems including reduced integrity of the uncinate fasciculus appear to be associated with core psychopathic features. Furthermore, this review points towards the idea that ASPD and psychopathy might stem from divergent biological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mika Johanson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olli Vaurio
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Markku Lähteenvuo
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mayer SV, Jusyte A, Klimecki-Lenz OM, Schönenberg M. Empathy and altruistic behavior in antisocial violent offenders with psychopathic traits. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:625-632. [PMID: 30208352 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Deficiencies in empathic functioning are considered a core characteristic of violent behavior. Enhancing empathy in aggressive populations may thus represent a promising intervention target. Hence, the aims of the present work were two-fold: First, we wanted to thoroughly assess empathic competencies and second, we aimed to investigate effects of an empathy induction on experienced empathy levels and prosocial behavior in a sample of violent offenders relative to matched controls. Empathy was assessed using both self-report as well as objective measures. For the empathy induction, participants were presented with empathy inducing and control videos. To assess the effects of the empathy induction on behavior, participants played a dictator game indicative of prosocial behavior after every video. Violent offenders showed no systematic impairment in empathy measures. Despite lower shares in the dictator game across conditions, the empathy induction led to a substantial increase in prosocial behavior in both groups. Importantly, high psychopathy scores were distinctively associated with lower self-reported empathy levels, an attenuated affective responsiveness to the empathy induction, and less altruistic behavior. Treatment programs aiming to improve empathy should take individual characteristics into account and may be applied to distinctive subgroups rather than to violent offenders per se.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah V Mayer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Aiste Jusyte
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Tübingen, Germany; LEAD Graduate School and Research Network, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Prosser A, Friston KJ, Bakker N, Parr T. A Bayesian Account of Psychopathy: A Model of Lacks Remorse and Self-Aggrandizing. COMPUTATIONAL PSYCHIATRY (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2018; 2:92-140. [PMID: 30381799 PMCID: PMC6184370 DOI: 10.1162/cpsy_a_00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This article proposes a formal model that integrates cognitive and psychodynamic psychotherapeutic models of psychopathy to show how two major psychopathic traits called lacks remorse and self-aggrandizing can be understood as a form of abnormal Bayesian inference about the self. This model draws on the predictive coding (i.e., active inference) framework, a neurobiologically plausible explanatory framework for message passing in the brain that is formalized in terms of hierarchical Bayesian inference. In summary, this model proposes that these two cardinal psychopathic traits reflect entrenched maladaptive Bayesian inferences about the self, which defend against the experience of deep-seated, self-related negative emotions, specifically shame and worthlessness. Support for the model in extant research on the neurobiology of psychopathy and quantitative simulations are provided. Finally, we offer a preliminary overview of a novel treatment for psychopathy that rests on our Bayesian formulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Prosser
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Karl J. Friston
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nathan Bakker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Thomas Parr
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Herpertz SC. Empathie und Persönlichkeitsstörungen aus neurobiologischer Sicht. FORENSISCHE PSYCHIATRIE PSYCHOLOGIE KRIMINOLOGIE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11757-018-0480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
27
|
Espinoza FA, Vergara VM, Reyes D, Anderson NE, Harenski CL, Decety J, Rachakonda S, Damaraju E, Rashid B, Miller RL, Koenigs M, Kosson DS, Harenski K, Kiehl KA, Calhoun VD. Aberrant functional network connectivity in psychopathy from a large (N = 985) forensic sample. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 39:2624-2634. [PMID: 29498761 PMCID: PMC5951759 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by antisocial behavior, lack of remorse and empathy, and impaired decision making. The disproportionate amount of crime committed by psychopaths has severe emotional and economic impacts on society. Here we examine the neural correlates associated with psychopathy to improve early assessment and perhaps inform treatments for this condition. Previous resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in psychopathy have primarily focused on regions of interest. This study examines whole-brain functional connectivity and its association to psychopathic traits. Psychopathy was hypothesized to be characterized by aberrant functional network connectivity (FNC) in several limbic/paralimbic networks. Group-independent component and regression analyses were applied to a data set of resting-state fMRI from 985 incarcerated adult males. We identified resting-state networks (RSNs), estimated FNC between RSNs, and tested their association to psychopathy factors and total summary scores (Factor 1, interpersonal/affective; Factor 2, lifestyle/antisocial). Factor 1 scores showed both increased and reduced functional connectivity between RSNs from seven brain domains (sensorimotor, cerebellar, visual, salience, default mode, executive control, and attentional). Consistent with hypotheses, RSNs from the paralimbic system-insula, anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, orbital frontal cortex, and superior temporal gyrus-were related to Factor 1 scores. No significant FNC associations were found with Factor 2 and total PCL-R scores. In summary, results suggest that the affective and interpersonal symptoms of psychopathy (Factor 1) are associated with aberrant connectivity in multiple brain networks, including paralimbic regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daisy Reyes
- The Mind Research NetworkAlbuquerqueNew Mexico87106
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew Mexico87131
| | | | | | - Jean Decety
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry and Behavioral NeuroscienceUniversity of ChicagoChicagoIllinois
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael Koenigs
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Wisconsin – MadisonMadisonWisconsin
| | - David S. Kosson
- Department of PsychologyRosalind Franklin UniversityNorth ChicagoIllinois
| | | | - Kent A. Kiehl
- The Mind Research NetworkAlbuquerqueNew Mexico87106
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew Mexico87131
| | - Vince D. Calhoun
- The Mind Research NetworkAlbuquerqueNew Mexico87106
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew Mexico87131
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Durand G. Influence of allelic variations in relation to norepinephrine and mineralocorticoid receptors on psychopathic traits: a pilot study. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4528. [PMID: 29576985 PMCID: PMC5863705 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Past findings support a relationship between abnormalities in the amygdala and the presence of psychopathic traits. Among other genes and biomarkers relevant to the amygdala, norepinephrine and mineralocorticoid receptors might both play a role in psychopathy due to their association with traits peripheral to psychopathy. The purpose is to examine if allelic variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms related to norepinephrine and mineralocorticoid receptors play a role in the display of psychopathic traits and executive functions.
Methods
Fifty-seven healthy participants from the community provided a saliva sample for SNP sampling of rs5522 and rs5569. Participants then completed the Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Short Form (PPI-SF) and the Tower of Hanoi.
Results
Allelic variations of both rs5522 and rs5569 were significant when compared to PPI-SF total score and the fearless dominance component of the PPI-SF. A significant result was also obtained between rs5522 and the number of moves needed to complete the 5-disk Tower of Hanoi.
Conclusion
This pilot study offers preliminary results regarding the effect of allelic variations in SNPs related to norepinephrine and mineralocorticoid receptors on the presence of psychopathic traits. Suggestions are provided to enhance the reliability and validity of a larger-scale study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Durand
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Savopoulos P, Lindell AK. Born criminal? Differences in structural, functional and behavioural lateralization between criminals and noncriminals. Laterality 2018; 23:738-760. [DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2018.1432631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Savopoulos
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Annukka K. Lindell
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ruff CC. Brain Stimulation Studies of Social Norm Compliance: Implications for Personality Disorders? Psychopathology 2018; 51:105-109. [PMID: 29642073 DOI: 10.1159/000486898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Several personality disorders involve pathological behaviors that violate social norms, commonly held expectations about what ought to be done in specific situations. These symptoms usually emerge early in development, are persistent and hard to treat, and are often ego-syntonic. Here I present some recent brain stimulation studies suggesting that pathological changes in different aspects of norm-compliant behavior reflect dysfunctions of brain circuits involving distinct prefrontal brain areas. One set of studies shows that transcranial direct current stimulation of the right lateral prefrontal cortex changes the behavioral sensitivity to social incentives for norm-compliant behavior. Crucially, social norm compliance in response to such incentives could even be increased during excitatory stimulation, demonstrating that the affected neural process is a biological prerequisite for appropriate reaction to social signals that trigger norm compliance. In another set of studies, we show that stimulation of a different (more dorsal) part of the right prefrontal cortex enhances honesty in a realistic setting where participants had the opportunity to cheat for real monetary gains. Interestingly, these stimulation-induced increases in both socially cued or purely voluntary norm compliance were not linked to changes in other aspects of decision- making (such as risk or impatience), and they did not reflect changes in beliefs about what is appropriate behavior. These results suggest that disorders of distinct brain circuits may causally underlie egosyntotic changes in norm-compliant behavior. This raises the tantalizing possibility that pathologies of norm-compliant behavior may be ameliorated by interventions targeting the function of these brain circuits.
Collapse
|
31
|
Reidy DE, Krusemark E, Kosson DS, Kearns MC, Smith-Darden J, Kiehl KA. The Development of Severe and Chronic Violence Among Youth: The Role of Psychopathic Traits and Reward Processing. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2017; 48:967-982. [PMID: 28315981 PMCID: PMC5860650 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-017-0720-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Psychopathic traits are a manifestation of a personality pathology that comprises a core affective-interpersonal dysfunction (callous-unemotional traits) and an impulsive-antisocial behavioral component. Of particular importance, psychopathic traits are associated with the perpetration of some of the most severe acts of violence, and they appear to indicate a subset of youth at risk for earlier onset, greater frequency, and persistence of violent offending. Although these youth represent a minority of the population, they commit a significant proportion of the violence in the general community. In our review, we highlight evidence of a unique neurobiological predisposition that underlies the core affective deficits and describe contemporary accounts for the developmental processes leading to the antisocial behavior associated with psychopathy. Current evidence suggests that, for this subset of youth, the structure and function of neural circuitry supporting emotion processing, reward learning, decision making, and the development of emotion related to empathy may be crucial to understanding why they are at risk for violence. In particular, a reward dominant pattern of neurobehavioral conditioning may explain how these youth progress to some of the most severe and persistent forms of violence. However, this pattern of conditioning may also be essential to the primary prevention of such deleterious behavior. We suspect that effective strategies to prevent such violence may ultimately be informed by understanding these affective and motivational mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E Reidy
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Krusemark
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David S Kosson
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Megan C Kearns
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kent A Kiehl
- Departments of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- The Nonprofit Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Glenn AL, Han H, Yang Y, Raine A, Schug RA. Associations between psychopathic traits and brain activity during instructed false responding. Psychiatry Res 2017; 266:123-137. [PMID: 28666247 PMCID: PMC5583004 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lying is one of the characteristic features of psychopathy, and has been recognized in clinical and diagnostic descriptions of the disorder, yet individuals with psychopathic traits have been found to have reduced neural activity in many of the brain regions that are important for lying. In this study, we examine brain activity in sixteen individuals with varying degrees of psychopathic traits during a task in which they are instructed to falsify information or tell the truth about autobiographical and non-autobiographical facts, some of which was related to criminal behavior. We found that psychopathic traits were primarily associated with increased activity in the anterior cingulate, various regions of the prefrontal cortex, insula, angular gyrus, and the inferior parietal lobe when participants falsified information of any type. Associations tended to be stronger when participants falsified information about criminal behaviors. Although this study was conducted in a small sample of individuals and the task used has limited ecological validity, these findings support a growing body of literature suggesting that in some contexts, individuals with higher levels of psychopathic traits may demonstrate heightened levels of brain activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Glenn
- Center for the Prevention of Youth Behavior Problems, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
| | - Hyemin Han
- Educational Psychology Program, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Yaling Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert A Schug
- Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Forensic Psychology, California State University, Long Beach, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Aghajani M, Klapwijk ET, van der Wee NJ, Veer IM, Rombouts SARB, Boon AE, van Beelen P, Popma A, Vermeiren RRJM, Colins OF. Disorganized Amygdala Networks in Conduct-Disordered Juvenile Offenders With Callous-Unemotional Traits. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:283-293. [PMID: 27502216 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The developmental trajectory of psychopathy seemingly begins early in life and includes the presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits (e.g., deficient emotional reactivity, callousness) in conduct-disordered (CD) youth. Though subregion-specific anomalies in amygdala function have been suggested in CU pathophysiology among antisocial populations, system-level studies of CU traits have typically examined the amygdala as a unitary structure. Hence, nothing is yet known of how amygdala subregional network function may contribute to callous-unemotionality in severely antisocial people. METHODS We addressed this important issue by uniquely examining the intrinsic functional connectivity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) and centromedial amygdala (CMA) networks across three matched groups of juveniles: CD offenders with CU traits (CD/CU+; n = 25), CD offenders without CU traits (CD/CU-; n = 25), and healthy control subjects (n = 24). We additionally examined whether perturbed amygdala subregional connectivity coincides with altered volume and shape of the amygdaloid complex. RESULTS Relative to CD/CU- and healthy control youths, CD/CU+ youths showed abnormally increased BLA connectivity with a cluster that included both dorsal and ventral portions of the anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortices, along with posterior cingulate, sensory associative, and striatal regions. In contrast, compared with CD/CU- and healthy control youths, CD/CU+ youths showed diminished CMA connectivity with ventromedial/orbitofrontal regions. Critically, these connectivity changes coincided with local hypotrophy of BLA and CMA subregions (without being statistically correlated) and were associated to more severe CU symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide unique insights into a putative mechanism for perturbed attention-emotion interactions, which could bias salience processing and associative learning in youth with CD/CU+.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moji Aghajani
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden.
| | - Eduard T Klapwijk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden
| | - Nic J van der Wee
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden
| | - Ilya M Veer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Mind and Brain Research, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Serge A R B Rombouts
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden; Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden
| | - Albert E Boon
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden; Lucertis Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rotterdam
| | - Peter van Beelen
- Forensic Psychiatry Unit Het Palmhuis, De Jutters Institute for Mental Health Care, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Arne Popma
- Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, Leiden University, Leiden; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam
| | - Robert R J M Vermeiren
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden
| | - Olivier F Colins
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Szabó E, Kocsel N, Édes A, Pap D, Galambos A, Zsombók T, Szabó Á, Kozák LR, Bagdy G, Juhász G, Kökönyei G. Callous-unemotional traits and neural responses to emotional faces in a community sample of young adults. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
35
|
Reduced White Matter Integrity in Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43002. [PMID: 28223713 PMCID: PMC5320449 DOI: 10.1038/srep43002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging neuroimaging research suggests that antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) may be linked to abnormal brain anatomy, but little is known about possible impairments of white matter microstructure in ASPD, as well as their relationship with impulsivity or risky behaviors. In this study, we systematically investigated white matter abnormalities of ASPD using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures: fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). Then, we further investigated their correlations with the scores of impulsivity or risky behaviors. ASPD patients showed decreased FA in multiple major white matter fiber bundles, which connect the fronto-parietal control network and the fronto-temporal network. We also found AD/RD deficits in some additional white matter tracts that were not detected by FA. More interestingly, several regions were found correlated with impulsivity or risky behaviors in AD and RD values, although not in FA values, including the splenium of corpus callosum, left posterior corona radiate/posterior thalamic radiate, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus. These regions can be the potential biomarkers, which would be of great interest in further understanding the pathomechanism of ASPD.
Collapse
|
36
|
Veroude K, von Rhein D, Chauvin RJM, van Dongen EV, Mennes MJJ, Franke B, Heslenfeld DJ, Oosterlaan J, Hartman CA, Hoekstra PJ, Glennon JC, Buitelaar JK. The link between callous-unemotional traits and neural mechanisms of reward processing: An fMRI study. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2016; 255:75-80. [PMID: 27564545 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits, i.e., unconcernedness and lack of prosocial feelings, may manifest in Conduct Disorder (CD), but also in Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These disorders have been associated with aberrant reward processing, while the influence of CU traits is unclear. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), we examined whether CU traits affect the neural circuit for reward. A Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task was administered to 328 adolescents and young adults with varying levels of CU traits: 40 participants with ODD/CD plus ADHD, 101 participants with ADHD only, 84 siblings of probands with ADHD and 103 typically developing (TD) individuals. During reward anticipation, CU traits related negatively to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity, independent of ADHD symptoms and ODD/CD diagnosis. Our results indicate that CU traits are a valuable dimension for assessing the neural basis of reward processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Veroude
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Daniel von Rhein
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roselyne J M Chauvin
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eelco V van Dongen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten J J Mennes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Departments of Human Genetics and Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Heslenfeld
- Clinical Neuropsychology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Oosterlaan
- Clinical Neuropsychology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina A Hartman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
This study examined associations between childhood callous-unemotional (CU) traits and cognitive control using a conflict adaptation paradigm. Participants were (N = 158) children aged 9 to 12 years (M = 10.42, SD = 1.05; 57 % boys), who completed a modified color-word Stroop task. CU traits and conduct problems were indexed via self-reports on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits. CU traits were found to be uniquely associated with reduced conflict adaptation, however, this significant association was specific to boys. Conversely, conduct problems were associated with increased conflict adaptation, but among girls only. These findings contribute to evidence of atypical goal directed behavior in boys with CU traits by providing preliminary evidence that the specific impairments in cognitive control that characterize these boys include those concerning dynamic adjustments in cognitive control. Findings are discussed in relation to accounts of childhood CU traits based on the Response Modulation hypothesis.
Collapse
|
38
|
Gkotsi GM, Gasser J. Neuroscience in forensic psychiatry: From responsibility to dangerousness. Ethical and legal implications of using neuroscience for dangerousness assessments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2016; 46:58-67. [PMID: 27209602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2016.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuroscientific evidence is increasingly being used in criminal trials as part of psychiatric testimony. Up to now, "neurolaw" literature remained focused on the use of neuroscience for assessments of criminal responsibility. However, in the field of forensic psychiatry, responsibility assessments are progressively being weakened, whereas dangerousness and risk assessment gain increasing importance. In this paper, we argue that the introduction of neuroscientific data by forensic experts in criminal trials will be mostly be used in the future as a means to evaluate or as an indication of an offender's dangerousness, rather than their responsibility. Judges confronted with the pressure to ensure public security may tend to interpret neuroscientific knowledge and data as an objective and reliable way of evaluating one's risk of reoffending. First, we aim to show how the current socio-legal context has reshaped the task of the forensic psychiatrist, with dangerousness assessments prevailing. In the second part, we examine from a critical point of view the promise of neuroscience to serve a better criminal justice system by offering new tools for risk assessment. Then we aim to explain why neuroscientific evidence is likely to be used as evidence of dangerousness of the defendants. On a theoretical level, the current tendency in criminal policies to focus on prognostics of dangerousness seems to be "justified" by a utilitarian approach to punishment, supposedly revealed by new neuroscientific discoveries that challenge the notions of free will and responsibility. Although often promoted as progressive and humane, we believe that this approach could lead to an instrumentalization of neuroscience in the interest of public safety and give rise to interventions which could entail ethical caveats and run counter to the interests of the offenders. The last part of this paper deals with some of these issues-the danger of stigmatization for brain damaged offenders because of adopting a purely therapeutic approach to crime, and the impact on their sentencing, in particular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Martha Gkotsi
- Unit of Research in Legal Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Institute of Legal Psychiatry, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Jacques Gasser
- Unit of Research in Legal Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Institute of Legal Psychiatry, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wolf RC, Pujara MS, Motzkin JC, Newman JP, Kiehl KA, Decety J, Kosson DS, Koenigs M. Interpersonal traits of psychopathy linked to reduced integrity of the uncinate fasciculus. Hum Brain Mapp 2015. [PMID: 26219745 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by callous lack of empathy, impulsive antisocial behavior, and criminal recidivism. Here, we performed the largest diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study of incarcerated criminal offenders to date (N = 147) to determine whether psychopathy severity is linked to the microstructural integrity of major white matter tracts in the brain. Consistent with the results of previous studies in smaller samples, we found that psychopathy was associated with reduced fractional anisotropy in the right uncinate fasciculus (UF; the major white matter tract connecting ventral frontal and anterior temporal cortices). We found no such association in the left UF or in adjacent frontal or temporal white matter tracts. Moreover, the right UF finding was specifically related to the interpersonal features of psychopathy (glib superficial charm, grandiose sense of self-worth, pathological lying, manipulativeness), rather than the affective, antisocial, or lifestyle features. These results indicate a neural marker for this key dimension of psychopathic symptomatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Wolf
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin.,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Maia S Pujara
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin.,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Julian C Motzkin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin.,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Joseph P Newman
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Kent A Kiehl
- The Non-Profit MIND Research Network, An Affiliate of Lovelace Biomedical And Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, New Mexico.,Departments of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Law, University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Jean Decety
- Department of Psychology, University Of Chicago, Illinois
| | - David S Kosson
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine And Science, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael Koenigs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Van Hoeck N, Watson PD, Barbey AK. Cognitive neuroscience of human counterfactual reasoning. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:420. [PMID: 26257633 PMCID: PMC4511878 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Counterfactual reasoning is a hallmark of human thought, enabling the capacity to shift from perceiving the immediate environment to an alternative, imagined perspective. Mental representations of counterfactual possibilities (e.g., imagined past events or future outcomes not yet at hand) provide the basis for learning from past experience, enable planning and prediction, support creativity and insight, and give rise to emotions and social attributions (e.g., regret and blame). Yet remarkably little is known about the psychological and neural foundations of counterfactual reasoning. In this review, we survey recent findings from psychology and neuroscience indicating that counterfactual thought depends on an integrative network of systems for affective processing, mental simulation, and cognitive control. We review evidence to elucidate how these mechanisms are systematically altered through psychiatric illness and neurological disease. We propose that counterfactual thinking depends on the coordination of multiple information processing systems that together enable adaptive behavior and goal-directed decision making and make recommendations for the study of counterfactual inference in health, aging, and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Van Hoeck
- Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick D. Watson
- Decision Neuroscience Laboratory, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of IllinoisUrbana, IL, USA
| | - Aron K. Barbey
- Decision Neuroscience Laboratory, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of IllinoisUrbana, IL, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of IllinoisChampaign, IL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of IllinoisChampaign, IL, USA
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of IllinoisChampaign, IL, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of IllinoisChampaign, IL, USA
- Carle R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of IllinoisChampaign, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by callous antisocial behavior and criminal recidivism. Here we examine whether psychopathy is associated with alterations in functional connectivity in three large-scale cortical networks. Using fMRI in 142 adult male prison inmates, we computed resting-state functional connectivity using seeds from the default mode network, frontoparietal network, and cingulo-opercular network. To determine the specificity of our findings to these cortical networks, we also calculated functional connectivity using seeds from two comparison primary sensory networks: visual and auditory networks. Regression analyses related network connectivity to overall psychopathy scores and to subscores for the "factors" and "facets" of psychopathy: Factor 1, interpersonal/affective traits; Factor 2, lifestyle/antisocial traits; Facet 1, interpersonal; Facet 2, affective; Facet 3, lifestyle; Facet 4, antisocial. Overall psychopathy severity was associated with reduced functional connectivity between lateral parietal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. The two factor scores exhibited contrasting relationships with functional connectivity: Factor 1 scores were associated with reduced functional connectivity in the three cortical networks, whereas Factor 2 scores were associated with heightened connectivity in the same networks. This dissociation was evident particularly in the functional connectivity between anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. The facet scores also demonstrated distinct patterns of connectivity. We found no associations between psychopathy scores and functional connectivity within visual or auditory networks. These findings provide novel evidence on the neural correlates of psychopathy and suggest that connectivity between cortical association hubs, such as the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, may be a neurobiological marker of the disorder.
Collapse
|
42
|
Yang Y, Wang P, Baker LA, Narr KL, Joshi SH, Hafzalla G, Raine A, Thompson PM. Thicker temporal cortex associates with a developmental trajectory for psychopathic traits in adolescents. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127025. [PMID: 26017779 PMCID: PMC4446360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychopathy is a clinical condition characterized by a failure in normal social interaction and morality. Recent studies have begun to reveal brain structural abnormalities associated with psychopathic tendencies in children. However, little is known about whether variations in brain morphology are linked to the developmental trajectory of psychopathic traits over time. In this study, structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data from 108 14-year-old adolescents with no history of substance abuse (54 males and 54 females) were examined to detect cortical thickness variations associated with psychopathic traits and individual rates of change in psychopathic traits from ages 9 to 18. We found cortical thickness abnormalities to correlate with psychopathic traits both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Specifically, at age 14, higher psychopathic scores were correlated with thinner cortex in the middle frontal gyrus, particularly in females, and thicker cortex in the superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus, particularly in males. Longitudinally, individual rates of change in psychopathic tendency over time were correlated with thicker cortex in the superior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, and posterior cingulate gyrus, particularly in males. Findings suggest that abnormal cortical thickness may reflect a delay in brain maturation, resulting in disturbances in frontal and temporal functioning such as impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and emotional dysregulation in adolescents. Thus, findings provide initial evidence supporting that abnormal cortical thickness may serve as a biomarker for the development of psychopathic propensity in adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Laura A. Baker
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Katherine L. Narr
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shantanu H. Joshi
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - George Hafzalla
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, Radiology, Engineering, Pediatrics, and Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Konicar L, Veit R, Eisenbarth H, Barth B, Tonin P, Strehl U, Birbaumer N. Brain self-regulation in criminal psychopaths. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9426. [PMID: 25800672 PMCID: PMC4371087 DOI: 10.1038/srep09426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychopathic individuals are characterized by impaired affective processing, impulsivity, sensation-seeking, poor planning skills and heightened aggressiveness with poor self-regulation. Based on brain self-regulation studies using neurofeedback of Slow Cortical Potentials (SCPs) in disorders associated with a dysregulation of cortical activity thresholds and evidence of deficient cortical functioning in psychopathy, a neurobiological approach seems to be promising in the treatment of psychopathy. The results of our intensive brain regulation intervention demonstrate, that psychopathic offenders are able to gain control of their brain excitability over fronto-central brain areas. After SCP self-regulation training, we observed reduced aggression, impulsivity and behavioral approach tendencies, as well as improvements in behavioral-inhibition and increased cortical sensitivity for error-processing. This study demonstrates improvements on the neurophysiological, behavioral and subjective level in severe psychopathic offenders after SCP-neurofeedback training and could constitute a novel neurobiologically-based treatment for a seemingly change-resistant group of criminal psychopaths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Konicar
- 1] Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany [2] International Centre for Ethics in the Science and Humanities, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Veit
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hedwig Eisenbarth
- 1] Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany [2] Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrix Barth
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paolo Tonin
- Ospedale San Camillo, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Venezia, Italy
| | - Ute Strehl
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Niels Birbaumer
- 1] Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany [2] Ospedale San Camillo, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Venezia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Caldwell JZK, Armstrong JM, Hanson JL, Sutterer MJ, Stodola DE, Koenigs M, Kalin NH, Essex MJ, Davidson RJ. Preschool externalizing behavior predicts gender-specific variation in adolescent neural structure. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117453. [PMID: 25658357 PMCID: PMC4319931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus is believed to underlie the development of much psychopathology. However, to date only limited longitudinal data relate early behavior with neural structure later in life. Our objective was to examine the relationship of early life externalizing behavior with adolescent brain structure. We report here the first longitudinal study linking externalizing behavior during preschool to brain structure during adolescence. We examined the relationship of preschool externalizing behavior with amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex volumes at age 15 years in a community sample of 76 adolescents followed longitudinally since their mothers’ pregnancy. A significant gender by externalizing behavior interaction revealed that males—but not females—with greater early childhood externalizing behavior had smaller amygdala volumes at adolescence (t = 2.33, p = .023). No significant results were found for the hippocampus or the prefrontal cortex. Greater early externalizing behavior also related to smaller volume of a cluster including the angular gyrus and tempoparietal junction across genders. Results were not attributable to the impact of preschool anxiety, preschool maternal stress, school-age internalizing or externalizing behaviors, or adolescent substance use. These findings demonstrate a novel, gender-specific relationship between early-childhood externalizing behavior and adolescent amygdala volume, as well as a cross-gender result for the angular gyrus and tempoparietal junction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Z. K. Caldwell
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeffrey M. Armstrong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jamie L. Hanson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Sutterer
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Diane E. Stodola
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Michael Koenigs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ned H. Kalin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Marilyn J. Essex
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Davidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Center for Investigating Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Washington SD, VanMeter JW. Anterior-Posterior Connectivity within the Default Mode Network Increases During Maturation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FRONTIERS 2015; 21:207-218. [PMID: 26236149 PMCID: PMC4520706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) supports self-referential thought processes important for successful socialization including: theory-of-mind, episodic memory, and prospection. Connectivity between DMN's nodes, which are distributed between the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, change with age and may continue changing into adulthood. We have previously explored the maturation of functional connections in the DMN as they relate to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children 6 to 18 years of age. In this chapter, we refine our earlier study of DMN functional maturation by focusing on the development of inter-nodal connectivity in a larger pool of typically developing people 6 to 25 years of age (mean = 13.22 years ± 5.36 s.d.; N = 36; 42% female). Correlations in BOLD activity (Fisher's Z) between ROIs revealed varying strengths of functional connectivity between regions, the strongest of which was between the left and right inferior parietal lobules or IPLs (Z = 0.62 ± 0.25 s.d.) and the weakest of which was between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and right middle temporal gyrus or MTG (Z = 0.06 ± 0.22 s.d.). Further, connectivity between two pairs of DMN nodes significantly increased as a quadratic function of age (p < 0.05), specifically the anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex (ACC/mPFC) and PCC nodes and the left IPL and right MTG nodes. The correlation between ACC/mPFC ↔ PCC connectivity and age was more significant than the correlation between left IPL ↔ right MTG connectivity and age by more than an order of magnitude. We suggest that these changes in functional connectivity in part underlie the introspective mental changes known to commonly occur between the preadolescent and adult years. A range of neurological and psychological conditions that hamper social interactions, from ASD to psychopathy, may be marked by deviations from this maturational trajectory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart D. Washington
- Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center Washington, DC, US
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center Washington, DC, US
| | - John W. VanMeter
- Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University Medical Center Washington, DC, US
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center Washington, DC, US
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Willner P. The neurobiology of aggression: implications for the pharmacotherapy of aggressive challenging behaviour by people with intellectual disabilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2015; 59:82-92. [PMID: 24467721 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this review is to summarise current understanding of the neurobiology of aggression and within this context to consider the evidence base for the pharmacotherapy of aggressive challenging behaviour by people with intellectual disabilities (ID). EVIDENCE Aggressive encounters involve a variety of psychological processes and progress has been made in understanding the brain mechanisms involved. However, the role in aggression of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid is no longer as clear as it once appeared, with the result that predictions cannot be made with confidence about drug effects on aggression. There have been relatively few controlled trials of pharmacotherapy for aggression in people with ID, or, indeed, in the general population, and their outcomes have largely been negative. CONCLUSION With the possible exception of risperidone, there is no reliable evidence that antidepressant, neuroleptic or anticonvulsant drugs are effective treatments for aggression by people with ID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Willner
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Koban L, Pourtois G. Brain systems underlying the affective and social monitoring of actions: An integrative review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 1:71-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
48
|
Gao Y, Tuvblad C, Schell A, Baker L, Raine A. Skin conductance fear conditioning impairments and aggression: a longitudinal study. Psychophysiology 2014; 52:288-95. [PMID: 25174802 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic fear conditioning deficits have been linked to child aggression and adult criminal behavior. However, it is unknown if fear conditioning deficits are specific to certain subtypes of aggression, and longitudinal research is rare. In the current study, reactive and proactive aggression were assessed in a sample of males and females when aged 10, 12, 15, and 18 years old. Skin conductance fear conditioning data were collected when they were 18 years old. Individuals who were persistently high on proactive aggression measures had significantly poorer conditioned responses at 18 years old when compared to others. This association was not found for reactive aggression. Consistent with prior literature, findings suggest that persistent antisocial individuals have unique neurobiological characteristics and that poor autonomic fear conditioning is associated with the presence of increased instrumental aggressive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Thompson DF, Ramos CL, Willett JK. Psychopathy: clinical features, developmental basis and therapeutic challenges. J Clin Pharm Ther 2014; 39:485-95. [DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. F. Thompson
- College of Pharmacy; Southwestern Oklahoma State University; Weatherford OK USA
| | - C. L. Ramos
- College of Pharmacy; Southwestern Oklahoma State University; Weatherford OK USA
| | - J. K. Willett
- College of Pharmacy; Southwestern Oklahoma State University; Weatherford OK USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sajja VSSS, Perrine SA, Ghoddoussi F, Hall CS, Galloway MP, VandeVord PJ. Blast neurotrauma impairs working memory and disrupts prefrontal myo-inositol levels in rats. Mol Cell Neurosci 2014; 59:119-26. [PMID: 24534010 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory, which is dependent on higher-order executive function in the prefrontal cortex, is often disrupted in patients exposed to blast overpressure. In this study, we evaluated working memory and medial prefrontal neurochemical status in a rat model of blast neurotrauma. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with 3% isoflurane and exposed to calibrated blast overpressure (17 psi, 117 kPa) while sham animals received only anesthesia. Early neurochemical effects in the prefrontal cortex included a significant decrease in betaine (trimethylglycine) and an increase in GABA at 24 h, and significant increases in glycerophosphorylcholine, phosphorylethanolamine, as well as glutamate/creatine and lactate/creatine ratios at 48 h. Seven days after blast, only myo-inositol levels were altered showing a 15% increase. Compared to controls, short-term memory in the novel object recognition task was significantly impaired in animals exposed to blast overpressure. Working memory in control animals was negatively correlated with myo-inositol levels (r=-.759, p<0.05), an association that was absent in blast exposed animals. Increased myo-inositol may represent tardive glial scarring in the prefrontal cortex, a notion supported by GFAP changes in this region after blast overexposure as well as clinical reports of increased myo-inositol in disorders of memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shane A Perrine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI
| | - Farhad Ghoddoussi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI; Department of Anesthesiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI
| | - Christina S Hall
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Matthew P Galloway
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI; Department of Anesthesiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit MI
| | - Pamela J VandeVord
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Salem VA Medical Center, Research & Development Service, Salem, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|