Etiology of Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Review of Brain Function and Childhood Experiences

Zining Zhang

doi:10.54097/p6g68022

Authors

Zining Zhang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/p6g68022

Keywords:

Antisocial personality disorder, ASPD, brain function, childhood experience.

Abstract

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) is a psychological disorder in which an individual engages exclusively or significantly in the deliberate violating of, scamming, as well as violence against other people for their gain. This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the recent developments regarding biological, neurocognitive, and neuropsychological factors and environmental risks related to ASPD. Neuroimaging studies have been conducted to assess brain function using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and imaging of functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) to determine structural and functional changes that occur. Previous studies have recognized marked grey matter volume (GMV) disruptions in the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobes, parietal regions, and aberrant functional connectivity profiles — particularly between attention and default mode networks. Of the environmental factor, childhood trauma is crucial for leading to necessary support of ASPD phenotype with emotional or physical abuse during infancy, significantly contributing to risk-prediction capacity—the systematic review methodology involved six critical evaluations of the study on neurobiology and childhood ASPD risk factors. Consistent neuroimaging data on brain structure (grey matter volume reductions) and functional connectivity and the critical role of early life experiences in susceptibility to this disorder are shown throughout. In conclusion, ASPD's etiology is multifactorial, involving a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors. Understanding the neurological underpinnings and developmental experiences leading to ASPD can inform more targeted interventions and treatment strategies for at-risk individuals, highlighting the need for early detection and therapeutic approaches to address brain function deficits and childhood adversities.

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References

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