Medical Concepts in Psychopathy and Violence

Abstract

It is widely assumed that psychopathic behaviour arises from unsatisfactory parenting, but upbringing difficulties are equally apparent in other psychiatric disorders. The poor response to psychological treatments is noteworthy and organic features, of a specific type, have been implicated. The most recent evidence strongly supports earlier findings of a genetic factor. Damage or malfunction of the left temporal lobe of the brain, or of the frontal area, are associated with violent psychopathic behaviour. Dysfunction in these same areas has also been found in schizophrenic patients and there is a genetic relationship between psychopathy and schizophrenia. It is concluded that organic factors probably underpin some psychopathic behaviour, a situation which may affect our attitudes.