Within the Brain of a Psychopath

 

What are the possibilities that you are a psychopath yourself? James Fallon, a neuroscientist and a professor in the University of California, has been studying brains of murderers and psychopaths for nearly 20 years. Through his research, he has discovered shared patterns of brain malfunction that are present in the majority of psychopaths.

According to James, once a year, he would usually be given a bunch of PET Scans of murderers and serial killers to analyze. Only during 2005-2006 did he discover the pattern. “The pattern for all the psychopaths was the turning off of the lymbic system in these specific areas: orbital cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus,” James asserted in the Weekly Infusion’s Podcast.

Lateral (Figure 2(A)) and medial (Figure 2(B)) views of the brain show the areas most likely implied in the etiology of at least some, and perhaps most, forms of psychopathology.¹

Since these damaged areas, “principally the orbital cortex,” are found in the frontal lobe, what exactly is the role of the frontal lobe in our brain, and how does it contribute to the traits of a psychopath?

As it has been always, studying the brain is not an easy task. It follows that specific functions for certain regions in the brain are rather complex even for neurologists. However, general functions could be pointed out. Firstly, the orbital convex is involved with social functions, what we call ethics and morality. Along with its adjacent regions, these areas of the brain are also generally implicated in the control of aggression and violence, as well as appetitive behaviors like eating, drinking, sex, and other acts prone to addiction and abuse.¹ As a result, one would be in feasible control of such behaviors when these areas of the brain are damaged or “switched off.”

A common misconception regarding this topic is to assume that the brain is in total control of psychopathy traits. The way James discovered that other factors play a role was through his revolutionary story. One day, he had himself and his family do PET scans for another study regarding Alzheimer’s disease. At first, he thought it was a joke by his teammates because while going through the PET scans, he saw one that matched the scans of psychopaths. “Whoever this is should not be walking around in free society,” he said at that moment. However, it turned out that the scan was of his brain.

“Well I just laughed; I said ‘I get the joke.” “This is like a joke by the universe on me that I’ve been studying these for years and I am it now.” James Fallon

That discovery lit up a new way of thinking for James. But first it worried him because that might be proof that his theory is wrong. After all, he is a “self-diagnosed normal, regular guy.” Nevertheless, other scientists have reached similar results in that field of study. Thus, James came to a conclusion that there are other factors contributing to psychopathy that are being taken out of the formula.
Along with the scans, James had already tested each family member’s DNA. He found out that he was the only one who has the high-aggression variant of the MAO-A gene. Things are roughly making sense anymore. There must be something else that have helped preventing him from becoming a murderer. He found his answer in his childhood. According to James and other scientists, brain patterns and genetic makeup are not enough to make anyone a psychopath. You need a third ingredient: abuse or violence in one’s childhood.² The environment around us, especially in our childhood, always plays an important role in shaping us.

A version of the MAO-A gene has been popularly referred to as the warrior gene. A deficiency in the MAOA gene has shown higher levels of aggression in males.³

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Fortunately, he wasn’t abused as a young person.” James’s wife, Diane.

One of the conclusions that were made as well that these elements, especially the brain, do not necessarily make you a psychopath. Instead, they definitely make it highly probable – or indeed certain – that you will have psychopathic behaviors.

A few controversial topics arise from this new understanding of the criminal mind. For instance, Some may think that such born-in qualities may be an excuse for a murderer or a rapist. Some scientists further claim that such elements can be used in the courtroom in favor of murderers. Should we really feel empathy for the condition they have been placed in? What do you personally think? Share your opinion in the comment section.

References:

1. Ohio State University. Moritz College of Law. James H. Fallon, 2006. Neuroanatomical Background to Understanding the Brain of the Young Psychopath [Article link] [PDF]
2. National Public Radio. Barbara Bradley Hagerdy, 2010. A Neuroscientist Uncovers A Dark Secret. [Interview link]
3. Cases O, Seif I, Grimsby J, Gaspar P, Chen K, Pournin S, et al. (Jun 1995). “Aggressive behavior and altered amounts of brain serotonin and norepinephrine in mice lacking MAOA”. Science. 268 (5218): 1763–6. doi:10.1126/science.7792602. PMC 2844866 Freely accessible. PMID 7792602. [Research link]
4. I was introduced to James Fallon’s story through the beautiful Weekly Infusion podcast. Some information were taken from there. [Podcast Website] [James Fallon’s Episode]

If you have enjoyed this article, follow the Zeintific blog to keep up with future ones. I highly recommend you check out Weekly Infusion: James Fallon’s episode. A very beautiful interview where Fallon talks about his studies and interesting personal story. If you have any suggestions or criticism, I take all that in the comment section.

Written by Zein Hanouneh