Some studies have been done that identified genetic and non-genetic contributors to psychopathy in addition to brain function.
Genetics
The studies that have been done to identify certain genes that identify psychopathy have found only a moderate amount of connections. Genetics may generally affect a persons childhood actions which changes the environment which creates a psychopath. There is however a certain gene that many are familiar with, monoamine oxidase (MAO-A), also known as the "warrior gene". If you have low MAO-A, you have a higher increased risk of aggression and antisocial behavior. It has identified that 59% of African American men have the warrior gene vs 34% Caucasian males. Again, to be clear, there is no designated gene that causes psychopathy.
ENVIRONMENT
A study by Ferrington in London England, followed men between 8 and 48 and looked at who has a high PCL:SV score. People with the following emotional factors had high psychopathy scores:
There has also been a large connection between psychopathy and "detrimental" treatment by peers a.k.a. bullying.
As explained in the brain precursors page, Psychopathy has been connected to damaged pre-frontal cortex and the orbital cortex resulting in inability to make morally and socially acceptable decisions. Psychopathy has also been connected to a damaged amygdala, which may impair the ability to interpret signals from the limbic system, "which could result in uninhibited signals that manifest in violent and aggressive behavior."
- Convicted parent
- Physically neglected
- Low involvement of the father with the boy/mother with the female
- Low family income
- Coming from a disrupted family
- Poor supervision
- Harsh discipline
- Large family size
- Delinquent sibling
- Young mother
- Depressed mother
- Low social class
- Poor housing
There has also been a large connection between psychopathy and "detrimental" treatment by peers a.k.a. bullying.
As explained in the brain precursors page, Psychopathy has been connected to damaged pre-frontal cortex and the orbital cortex resulting in inability to make morally and socially acceptable decisions. Psychopathy has also been connected to a damaged amygdala, which may impair the ability to interpret signals from the limbic system, "which could result in uninhibited signals that manifest in violent and aggressive behavior."
Biochemical
It has been stipulated, not proven, that high levels of testosterone AND low levels of cortisol and/or serotonin are contribution factors to psychopathy.
(Not Proven) Testosterone:
(Not Proven) High testosterone levels:
(Not Proven) Injecting Testosterone:
It has been proven that cortisol increases "state of fear, sensitivity to punishment, and withdraw behavior." So when a person has low serotonin/cortisol is more aggressive, has negative reactions, antisocial behavior, and gets violent when frustrated. Psychopathic people have traits that produce a greater ratio of HVA (Dopamine). They have "greater dopamine responses to potential "rewards" like "monetary promises" as well as an increased impulsive.
It has also been tested that taking drugs and amphetamines increases a person's likeliness to have psychopathic traits.
(Not Proven) Testosterone:
- Approach behavior
- Reward sensitivity
- Fear reduction
(Not Proven) High testosterone levels:
- Antisocial
- Aggressive
(Not Proven) Injecting Testosterone:
- Decreased fearfulness
- Increased "responding to angry faces"
It has been proven that cortisol increases "state of fear, sensitivity to punishment, and withdraw behavior." So when a person has low serotonin/cortisol is more aggressive, has negative reactions, antisocial behavior, and gets violent when frustrated. Psychopathic people have traits that produce a greater ratio of HVA (Dopamine). They have "greater dopamine responses to potential "rewards" like "monetary promises" as well as an increased impulsive.
It has also been tested that taking drugs and amphetamines increases a person's likeliness to have psychopathic traits.