Reduced Prefrontal Connectivity in Psychopathy

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4215-11.2011
• Publication Date: 2011-12-02T10:13:58Z
• Authors: Julian C. Motzkin; Joseph P. Newman; Kent A. Kiehl; Michael Koenigs
• Keywords: Ventromedial prefrontal cortex; Abnormality; Uncinate fasciculus

Linking psychopathy to a specific brain abnormality could have significant clinical, legal, and scientific implications. Theories on the neurobiological basis of disorder typically propose dysfunction in circuit involving ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). However, date there is limited imaging data directly test whether may indeed be associated with any structural or functional within this area. In study, we employ two complementary techniques assess connectivity vmPFC psychopathic non-psychopathic criminals. Using diffusion tensor imaging, show that reduced integrity right uncinate fasciculus, primary white matter connection between anterior temporal lobe. magnetic resonance amygdala as well medial parietal cortex. Together, these converge implicate diminished characteristic feature psychopathy.