1. Psychopathy - the basics
Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a cluster of interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, and antisocial traits and behaviors. These include glibness, superficial charm, grandiosity, manipulation, lack of empathy, guilt or remorse, shallow effect, impulsivity, and a propensity for engaging in antisocial behaviors.
Neuroscience and biology of psychopathy
From a neurological perspective, psychopathy has been associated with differences in brain structure and function. Studies have identified abnormalities in areas related to empathy, moral reasoning, and emotional processing, such as the amygdala and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. These differences may underpin some of the hallmark features of psychopathy, such as a lack of empathy and remorse.
Biologically, research has explored genetic influences on psychopathic traits, suggesting a complex interplay between genetics and environmental factors. For instance, variations in genes related to neurotransmitter systems (e.g., dopamine and serotonin) have been linked to impulsivity and aggression, traits often seen in psychopathy.