The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Prefrontal Cortex on Antisocial Behavior

• In Event: The Neurobiology of Antisocial and Psychopathic Behavior: Evidence from Psychophysiological, Neuroimaging, and Brain Stimulation Studies

Abstract

Although prefrontal brain impairments are one of the best-replicated brain imaging findings in relation to antisocial behavior, little is known about the causal role of this brain region. This study tests whether upregulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) reduces antisocial behavior. In a double-blind, stratified, placebo-controlled trial, 81 adults were randomly assigned to receive bilateral anodal stimulation of the DLPFC (N=39) or to a sham (placebo) condition (N = 42). Intent to commit violent acts, behavioral aggression, and perceptions of the moral wrongfulness of violent crimes were assessed one day after the experimental session. Participants who received anodal stimulation reported being less likely to commit physical and sexual assault (p < .01), and judged violent crimes as more morally wrongful (p < .05) compared to the sham controls. 31% of the total effect of tDCS on violent criminal intent was accounted for by perceptions of greater moral wrongfulness regarding the violent acts. Results provide causal support for correlational data on the prefrontal-antisocial behavior relationship, shed light on one of the underlying mechanisms that may link prefrontal deficits to violence, and theoretically have the potential to inform future interventions for such behavior.

Authors

• Olivia Choy, University of Pennsylvania

• Adrian Raine, University of Pennsylvania

• Roy Hamilton, University of Pennsylvania