Prevalence and Nature of Structural Brain Abnormalities in Batterers: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bueso-Izquierdo, Natalia; Verdejo-Román, Juan; Martínez-Barbero, José Pablo; Pérez-Rosillo, Miguel Ángel; Pérez-García, Miguel; Hidalgo-Ruzzante, Natalia; Hart, Stephen D.
• Is Part Of: International journal of forensic mental health. Volume 18:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Intimate partner violence -- structural brain abnormalities -- magnetic resonance imaging; Forensic psychiatry -- Periodicals; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; 614.15
• DOI: 10.1080/14999013.2018.1476422
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-9013

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Past research has found differences in the brain activation of batterers vs. other offenders in response to depictions of violence, but it is not known whether these functional differences are associated with structural brain abnormalities (SBAs). Objective: Investigate the prevalence and nature of SBAs in batterers using neuroimaging methods. Method: Two neuroradiologists independently diagnosed SBAs based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans for the 21 batterers and 20 other offenders. All participants had been screened to ensure that they had no obvious brain damage secondary to neurological injury or insult, including traumatic brain injury. Results: One participant had both a major and minor SBA; 13 had one or more minor SBAs. Most were judged to be not clinically relevant. Conclusion: SBAs are not strongly or specifically associated with IPV, and it is unlikely they are responsible for the differences in brain functioning between batterers and other offenders observed in past research.