Psychopathy is a mental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to understand and consider the consequences of their actions. People with psychopathy are often characterized by a lack of empathy, an inability to feel remorse, and a disregard for the law. It is thought that psychopaths lack certain brain functions that are essential for understanding the consequences of their actions. In this article, we will discuss what psychopaths lack in their brains and how this may affect their behavior.
Brain Structures of Psychopaths
Research has shown that psychopaths have differences in their brain structure compared to non-psychopaths. Specifically, they have decreased gray matter in the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain responsible for decision-making and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. They also have an increased amount of white matter in the same region, which is thought to lead to a disconnect between the emotional and rational parts of the brain.
Neurotransmitters Involved in Psychopathy
Research has also shown that psychopaths have an imbalance of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is responsible for controlling the reward system in the brain, while serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior. An imbalance of these neurotransmitters can lead to impulsivity, aggression, and a lack of empathy, all of which are characteristics of psychopathy.
Abnormal Brain Activity in Psychopaths
Studies have also shown that psychopaths have abnormal brain activity when presented with emotional or moral stimuli. Specifically, they have lower levels of activity in the limbic system, the region of the brain responsible for emotional processing. This suggests that psychopaths may be unable to process emotions as effectively as non-psychopaths, which could explain their lack of empathy and disregard for the law.
Conclusion
Psychopaths lack certain brain functions that are essential for understanding the consequences of their actions. This may be due to differences in brain structure, an imbalance of neurotransmitters, and abnormal brain activity when presented with emotional or moral stimuli. Understanding the neurological basis of psychopathy may help us develop more effective treatments for this disorder.
