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The neurobiology of psychopathy: recent developments and new directions in research and treatment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 February 2015

Michael A. Cummings
Michael A. Cummings*
Affiliation:
Department of State Hospitals–Patton, Department of Psychiatry, Patton, California, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
*
*Address for correspondence: Michael A. Cummings, MD, Department of State Hospitals–Patton, Administrative Annex # 159, 3102 East Highland Avenue, Patton, CA 92369, USA. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Psychopathic individuals account for substantial predatory and impulsive violence. To the present, the principal intervention used to decrease the harm inflicted by psychopaths has been confinement. Nevertheless, most confined psychopathic persons return to the community. Recent advances in the understanding of the neurobiology of psychopathy hold promise for new research directions and more effective treatments. In this article, we will explore recent advances in genetics, electrophysiology, brain imaging, and psychopharmacology, as well as, in brief, their implications for new directions in research and treatment.

Keywords

Neurobiologypsychopathyresearchtreatmentviolence
Type
Review Articles
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 20 , Special Issue 3: Violence in the Psychiatric Setting , June 2015 , pp. 200 - 206
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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Footnotes

The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance of Ms. Tina Lache and Jonathan Meyer, MD, in proofing this manuscript and formatting figures.

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