Neuroanatomical Correlates of Psychopathic Traits in Adolescent Males

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Purpose: Neuroanatomical differences are important in shaping the personality and behavioral profile of individuals with psychopathic traits. Such measures can serve as biological markers for psychopathy. This structural MRI study tested the relationship between psychopathic traits and cortical morphology.

Method: MRI scans from 25 adolescent males (age: 11-17 years) were collected using a Siemens 3T Allegra scanner. The data were analyzed using Freesurfer . A regression analysis determined if the volume, surface area, or cortical thickness predicted the Youth Psychopathy Traits Inventory (YPI) subtest scores.

Results: Youth scoring higher in Unemotionality showed reduced volume in the left caudal ACC [F(1, 22)= 13.02, p= .002] and total left ACC [F(1,22)= 9.8, p= .005]. Those scoring higher in Grandiosity showed reduced cortical thickness in the right superior temporal gyrus [F(1, 23)= 9.80, p=.005) (FDR corrected).

Discussion: The left caudal ACC is part of a larger area associated with negative affect, pain, and cognitive control. Decreased gray matter in RSTG has been related to psychopathy in adults . Our results support the original hypothesis of a relationship between neuroanatomical alterations and psychopathic traits in youth.

Authors

• Emma Sartin, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Thomas DeRamus, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Omar Maximo, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Rheanna J. Remmel, University of Alabama

• Andrea Glenn, University of Alabama

• Rajesh K. Kana, University of Alabama at Birmingham