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The personality disorder known as psychopathy, which is characterised by callousness, deceit, and lack of empathy, has long fascinated and alarmed people. Recent discoveries in the field of neuroscience have given new light on the causes of psychopathy, contradicting conventional wisdom and encouraging us to empathise with those who display these tendencies.
This article explores:
- The complex relationship between neurological structure and psychopathy.
- How a better knowledge of this relationship might lead to empathy and more successful interventions.
The Brain’s Emotional Landscape: Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex and the amygdala are the two crucial areas at the centre of emotional processing. Understanding and reacting to emotions, especially fear and anxiety, are crucial functions of the amygdala. Prefrontal cortex is in charge of higher order cognitive processes including impulse control and decision-making.
There may be variations in the structure and operation of certain brain regions in people who have psychopathic tendencies, according to research. When exposed to emotionally charged triggers, specifically, their amygdalae can exhibit decreased activation. Their reduced ability to empathise and…
