Psychopathic individuals are more likely to have larger striatum region in the brain

[Kamaji]

Psychopathic individuals are more likely to have larger striatum region in the brain

Date: May 10, 2022
Source: Nanyang Technological University
Summary: Neuroscientists have established the existence of a biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths.

Neuroscientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), University of Pennsylvania, and California State University, have established the existence of a biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, they found that a region of the forebrain known as the striatum, was on average ten per cent larger in psychopathic individuals compared to a control group of individuals that had low or no psychopathic traits.

Psychopaths, or those with psychopathic traits, are generally defined as individuals that have an egocentric and antisocial personality. This is normally marked by a lack of remorse for their actions, a lack of empathy for others, and often criminal tendencies.

The striatum, which is a part of the forebrain, the subcortical region of the brain that contains the entire cerebrum, coordinates multiple aspects of cognition, including both motor and action planning, decision-making, motivation, reinforcement, and reward perception.

Previous studies have pointed to an overly active striatum in psychopaths but have not conclusively determined the impact of its size on behaviours. The new study reveals a significant biological difference between people who have psychopathic traits and those who do not.

While not all individuals with psychopathic traits end up breaking the law, and not all criminals meet the criteria for psychopathy, there is a marked correlation. There is clear evidence that psychopathy is linked to more violent behaviour.

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Source:  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220510102942.htm

[GtHawk]

Okay, everyone in the US must have a brain scan and those with the larger region in their brain must be segregated from the rest of society for its safety. I suggest they be placed somewhere like in the old TV series The Prisoner. Of course we should start with our politicians in Washington and we should prepare in advance for a high rate of vacancies.

[Kamaji]

Okay, everyone in the US must have a brain scan and those with the larger region in their brain must be segregated from the rest of society for its safety. I suggest they be placed somewhere like in the old TV series The Prisoner. Of course we should start with our politicians in Washington and we should prepare in advance for a high rate of vacancies.

It does raise those sorts of questions and concerns.