Amygdala Hypoactivity to Fearful Faces in Boys With Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits

Abstract

This finding is in line with data from studies of adults with antisocial behavior and callous-unemotional traits (i.e., psychopaths), as well as from a recent study of adolescents with callous-unemotional traits, and suggests that the neural substrates of emotional impairment associated with callous-unemotional antisocial behavior are already present in childhood.

The Reciprocal Influence of Callous-Unemotional Traits, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Parenting Practices in Preschoolers

“…Heritability estimates support an especially strong genetic component to CU traits and a limited influence of shared environment [14], in contrast with the modest heritability and high environmental influence associated with risk for child antisocial behavior [15]. Moreover, children with CU traits display unique cognitive and affective deficits, such as a blunted fear response that has been linked to amygdala hypoarousal [16]. In terms of categorical diagnoses, elevated CU traits would likely be a consistent predictor of CD or ODD, but an ODD or CD diagnosis alone would not predict CU traits.…”

Neurocriminology: implications for the punishment, prediction and prevention of criminal behaviour

“…The type of deficit may vary in different subgroups of antisocial individuals. Adults and youth with psychopathic traits, who have blunted emotional responding and may engage in more cold, calculated aggression, have reduced amygdala volume 72 and functioning [73][74][75] , whereas individuals with a more impulsive,…”

Neurobiology of violence in children and adolescents

“…People with lesions of the frontal cortex show changes in emotionality and personality, which include a higher level of reactive, but not instrumental aggression (27). In children with callous-unemotional traits, reduced connections between the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex are presented, which can explain the occurrence of reactive and proactive aggression (29). Dysfunction of the orbital and medial frontal cortex also increases the risk of antisocial behavior (27).…”

“…Dysfunction of the orbital and medial frontal cortex also increases the risk of antisocial behavior (27). Reactions that involve the regulation of affective impulses and inappropriate expressions of anger are associated with the functions of the limbic system and also dysfunction in areas of the brain responsible for decision-making (29). Atypical and abnormal EEG patterns were found in psychopathic personality traits, as well as in children with behavioural disorders.…”