Neurology and Genetics of a Psychopath
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Prefrontal Cortex
It is believed that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is responsible for ‘executive functions’ in the brain such as determining what’s good and bad, right and wrong, the future consequences of current actions, prediction of outcomes, and social control (the ability to suppress urges that, if unsuppressed, could lead to socially unacceptable behaviors).
Amygdale
The amygdale is believed to regulate memory consolidation for long-term memory retention in other areas of the brain. It also performs a primary role in the processing of emotions and emotional reactions as it is responsible for the activation of the amino neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These amino neurotransmitters are responsible for memory, learning, attention, motivation, understanding of punishment and reward, mood, and the fight or flight response.
In the psychopathic brain damage is found in both the prefrontal cortex and the amygdale. When the average person watches an emotional event or hears an emotional word brain activity is raised in these two areas. For a psychopath, there is no difference in brain activity between a neutral or emotional event or word.
The Warrior Gene (MAO-A)
The MAO-A gene (monoamine oxidase A), also called ‘The Warrior Gene’ is responsible for the production of an enzyme that degrades the amino neurotransmitters that are activated by the amygdale. Degradation of these amino neurotransmitters leads to an underdeveloped ability to process and perform the vital functions controlled by the Amygdale.
Combination of Brain Damage and an Activated MAO-A Gene
The MAO-A gene is present in almost all individuals but only becomes active in those who have experienced abuse or other traumatic events during their childhood. Activation of this gene combined with damage in the prefrontal cortex and amygdale is what constitutes the makeup of a homicidal psychopath. Functional psychopaths generally lack activation of this gene.
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Prefrontal Cortex
It is believed that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is responsible for ‘executive functions’ in the brain such as determining what’s good and bad, right and wrong, the future consequences of current actions, prediction of outcomes, and social control (the ability to suppress urges that, if unsuppressed, could lead to socially unacceptable behaviors).
Amygdale
The amygdale is believed to regulate memory consolidation for long-term memory retention in other areas of the brain. It also performs a primary role in the processing of emotions and emotional reactions as it is responsible for the activation of the amino neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These amino neurotransmitters are responsible for memory, learning, attention, motivation, understanding of punishment and reward, mood, and the fight or flight response.
In the psychopathic brain damage is found in both the prefrontal cortex and the amygdale. When the average person watches an emotional event or hears an emotional word brain activity is raised in these two areas. For a psychopath, there is no difference in brain activity between a neutral or emotional event or word.
The Warrior Gene (MAO-A)
The MAO-A gene (monoamine oxidase A), also called ‘The Warrior Gene’ is responsible for the production of an enzyme that degrades the amino neurotransmitters that are activated by the amygdale. Degradation of these amino neurotransmitters leads to an underdeveloped ability to process and perform the vital functions controlled by the Amygdale.
Combination of Brain Damage and an Activated MAO-A Gene
The MAO-A gene is present in almost all individuals but only becomes active in those who have experienced abuse or other traumatic events during their childhood. Activation of this gene combined with damage in the prefrontal cortex and amygdale is what constitutes the makeup of a homicidal psychopath. Functional psychopaths generally lack activation of this gene.
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