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Faulty Brain Connections Found Within the Brains of Psychopaths
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by Karen Hatter | August 10, 2009 at 08:32 am
483 views | 69 Recommendations | 6 comments
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Researchers in London, after studying inmates identified as psychopaths, who have committed murder, manslaughter, multiple rape, strangulation and false imprisonment, have found what they are referring to as 'potholes' in the brains of psychopaths.
It is believed these 'potholes' prevent linking, causing faulty connections, between two parts of the brain.
Using imaging technology, the study viewed the parts of the brain known as the amygdala, which processes emotions, and the orbitofrontal cortex, responsible for handling impulses and decisions. These parts of the brain were found to be "structurally and functionally different" in the brains of psychopaths.
According to MayoClinic.com, those termed psychopaths would suffer from psychopathy, a form of antisocial personality disorder.
However, some researchers believe psychopathic disorder and antisocial personality disorder to be two distinctly different conditions.
Signs and symptoms said to be associated with antisocial behavorial disorder listed at MayoClinic.com are:
Researchers caution against any suggestion that this small study may lead to potential screening techniques for spotting potential "psychopathic criminals" before they strike, as the how, when and why questions that relate to psychopathic behavior had not been determined during the study.
The study involved examining the brains of nine known psychopaths, comparing their brains' pathways to nine non-psychopaths.
Click here to read Psychopaths Have Faulty Brain Connections, Scientists Find .
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Karen Hatter
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Recommendations (69)
cassy82
Los Angeles, United States
Uwe Paschen
Narita, Chiba, Japan
caj1
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
158
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Rory Cripps
New Port Richey, Florida, United States
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (6)
at 11:21 on August 10th, 2009
Good post!
at 11:51 on August 10th, 2009
Anyone who commits such atrocities certainly isnt normal, so it is a given something is wired really really badly for them to commit these crimes.
at 13:25 on August 10th, 2009
These are fascinating and important neuropathology findings. Thanks for the post, Karen Hatter.
at 15:38 on August 10th, 2009
Karen: Excellent post! Thank you!
Profile of the Sociopath
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
Other Related Qualities:
(The above traits are based on the psychopathy checklists of H. Cleckley and R. Hare.)
at 15:41 on August 10th, 2009
Very interesting and informative article.
at 16:51 on August 10th, 2009
This is a good article for discussion and study as Karen's article discusses two disorders, "psychopathic disorder" and "antisocial disorder." And Rory's comment above lists the "profile of a sociopath." So which disorder does a person designated as a "sociopath" have? One of these outlined in the article, both, or still yet another, unnamed here? All worth considering, in light of the recent murders at the L.A. Fitness gym in Pittsburgh.