Brain differences in criminals

• How might criminal genes affect the brain?

  they may cause:

  • structural differences in brain areas linked to behaviour

  • neurotransmitter imbalances affecting impulse control
• What brain area is linked to criminality?

  • prefrontal cortex - responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and morality

  • Adrian raine (2004) reviewed 71 brain imaging studies and found:

  • murderers, psychopaths and violent criminals had reduced prefrontal cortex activity

  • lower activity = more impulsiveness and lack of self-control
• How do neurotransmitters influence criminal behaviour?

  • low serotonin - linked to impulsive aggression (Seo et Al 2008)

  • dopamine hyperactivity- may enhance aggression

  • noradrenaline imbalance (Wright et Al 2015):

  • high levels = increased aggression

  • low levels = poor response to perceived threats