Lecture Notes on Psychopathy, Sociopathy, and Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

Key Concepts

Psychopathy and Sociopathy

• Psychopathy and sociopathy are not official diagnoses; rather, they are terms used to describe symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD).
• APD is one of the four cluster B personality disorders, which also include borderline, narcissistic, and histrionic personality disorders.

Differences Between Psychopathy and Sociopathy

• Psychopathy: Considered to have more physical (neurological) issues combined with environmental factors.
• Sociopathy: Primarily a product of environmental conditions without the inherent neurological differences seen in psychopathy.

Biological Underpinnings

The Role of Serotonin

• Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, emotion, and behavior.
• Produced in the brain stem's raphe nuclei and distributed throughout the brain.
• In psychopathy, serotonin reuptake and breakdown are altered due to a low-functioning MAOA gene variant.

The MAOA Gene

• Located on the X chromosome and can have variants that affect serotonin breakdown.
• Low activity MAOA gene is associated with psychopathy and aggression.

Gender Differences

• Males are more likely to be psychopaths due to having a single X chromosome, whereas females need the variant on both X chromosomes to express the trait.

Brain Function and Structure

PET Scans Findings in APD

• Show low activity in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system during moral and ethical decision-making.
• Regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex are underactive.

Development and Impact

• The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), responsible for rational decision-making, develops under different conditions in psychopaths.
• Childhood trauma can alter these brain regions even in the absence of genetic factors.

Behavioral Characteristics

Shared Traits

• Lack of empathy, anxiety, and remorse.
• Enhanced risk-taking, often linked to seeking power over others.

Differences

• Psychopaths: More calculating, good at deceit, often hold positions of power.
• Sociopaths: More impulsive, less able to hide their behavior.

Treatment and Societal Implications

Current Challenges

• No effective treatment due to genetic and brain structure issues.
• Emotional trauma exacerbates these issues.

Potential Solutions

• Better parenting and role models to mitigate environmental impacts.
• Emphasis on rational, logical upbringing can help reduce antisocial traits.

Educational Insights

• Brain chemistry and synaptic function are complex and not solely responsible for emotions.
• Understanding psychopathy requires considering genetic, biological, and environmental factors.

Conclusion

• Psychopathy and sociopathy pose significant challenges due to their complex nature.
• Further research and societal efforts may help in finding better interventions.