Impulse, Affect, and Temperament in Psychopathy

Research on psychopathy reveals inherent differences in infants from birth. Studies have shown that individuals who exhibit pronounced antisocial traits in adulthood often displayed heightened reactivity, impulsive behaviors, and inherent aggression during childhood. Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of antisocial personality, with genetic predispositions profoundly influencing genetic processes and brain chemistry.

Early life experiences of neglect, abuse, and maltreatment can adversely affect the development of the orbitofrontal cortex. This structure, interconnected with the limbic system and amygdala, is crucial for emotional integration, decision-making, and behavioral control.

Damage to the orbitofrontal cortex may result in:

• Increased propensity for criminal behavior
• Intensified impulsive behaviors
• Lack of empathy
• Crude speech
• Hypersexuality

Impulse, Affect, and Temperament in Psychopathy

Examining the neurotransmitters in antisocial individuals reveals low serotonin levels and, at times, elevated norepinephrine levels. Individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder exhibit excessively low responsiveness in their autonomic nervous system. This condition implies an inability to learn from and derive lessons from social experiences.

The emotional processes of psychopaths differ from those of normal individuals. They fail to learn emotions in a relational context. While healthy individuals use emotional discourse to express internal states and feelings, antisocial individuals manipulate emotions to exploit others. Furthermore, they may experience emotions in extremes, ranging from manic euphoria to blind rage.

Psychopathic individuals have poor emotional regulation skills and lack the ability to articulate their feelings. They prefer action over speech, seeking intense, sharp, and jarring experiences to feel alive and well. These experiences may involve violating others' boundaries or causing harm. Such impulsive behaviors provide pleasure, and they feel no guilt, shame, or unease as a result, often deriving considerable enjoyment. This is due to their deficient emotional regulation skills and underdeveloped orbitofrontal cortex.