The constellation of psychopathy: All in the brain? A critical review of the neuroscientific literature

Abstract

Psychopathy is a complex personality disorder encompassing a constellation of behavioural, affective and interpersonal features. This critical review considers the neuroscientific literature in relation to the disorder. The neuroscience of psychopathy is a burgeoning field with promise, both in terms of diagnosis and potential treatment. Akin to any discipline in its early stages, the study of psychopathology is also is fraught with interpretative variation caused by methodological inconsistencies. Moving forward, two issues will be fundamental in the maintenance of momentum in this field: (i) overcoming issues in methodology, and (ii) application of the knowledge gleaned to diverse fields, such as legal ethics and neurogenetics.