A comprehensive neuroimaging review of PCL-R defined psychopathy. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Griffiths, Stephanie Y.; Jalava, Jarkko V.
• Is Part Of: Aggression and violent behavior. Volume 36(2017)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Psychopathy -- PCL-R -- Neuroimaging -- Review; Aggressiveness -- Periodicals; Violence -- Periodicals; Violent offenders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 302.54
• DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2017.07.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1789

Abstract

Abstract: Neurobiological theories of psychopathy typically include abnormalities in paralimbic circuits, and a neurobiological profile of paralimbic dysfunction in increasingly invoked in applied legal settings. The current study systematically evaluated whether sMRI and fMRI findings in PCL-R defined psychopaths suggest paralimbic dysfunction. Our review indicates diffuse and variable neural correlates of psychopathy, with numerous issues complicating the interpretation of these heterogeneous data. Our review also extends previous discussions concerning how this heterogeneity may be related to sample characteristics, methodological variations, and statistical analyses. To elucidate the neural correlates of psychopathy, researchers may need to clarify the relationship between psychopathy and co-occurring conditions (such as substance use disorders) both conceptually and methodologically. Our review also indicates that caution is warranted when introducing these data in applied contexts. Highlights: Structural and functional imaging data on PCL-R defined psychopathy are heterogeneous. Variability is likely due to both methodological and conceptual issues. This review uses PCL-R Total scores, maximizing utility in applied settings.