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psychopathy

·September 20, 2012·2 min read

‘Psychopaths’ Have An Impaired Sense of Smell

People with psychopathic tendencies have an impaired sense of smell, which points to inefficient processing in the front part of the brain (orbitofrontal cortex) according to a new study.

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·March 16, 2022·6 min read

‘Dark Empaths’: How Dangerous Are Psychopaths and Narcissists With Empathy?

Despite common thought, not all people with dark triad disorders are void of empathy. Some people with dark triad disorders experience above-average empathetic capabilities. Researchers shed light on "dark empaths" and empathy deficits in those with dark triad disorders.

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·February 9, 2023·6 min read

‘Just as Deadly’: Inside the Mind of a Female Serial Killer

Female serial killers are considered fairly anomalous. Research into females who commit serial killings has been pretty limited, until now. Researchers have identified certain characteristics of female serial killers, finding they tend to be white, married at least once, of at least average intelligence, and are more likely to be employed in healthcare professions.

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·October 2, 2018·2 min read

“Dark Triad” of Personality Reflected in Dreams

Researchers report those with dark triad personality traits tend to dream more about aggression and sex.

The image shows an fMRI of a psychopath's brain. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 24, 2013·3 min read

A Neurological Basis for the Lack of Empathy in Psychopaths

Atypical activation and negative functional connectivity between the insula and ventromedial prefrontal cortex could explain why psychopaths lack empathy.

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·June 1, 2022·5 min read

A Surprising Way to Tamper Ugly Dark Triad Personality Traits

Activities targeting agreeableness were shown to reduce Dark Triad personality traits. However, those with Dark Triad personality disorders are less likely to want intervention to increase agreeableness.

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·August 29, 2019·3 min read

Abnormal expression of genes in psychopathy

Psychopathy is associated with altered expression of genes and immune responses related to molecular pathways. In neurons, the up-regulation of PRL10P9 and ZNF132 and down-regulation of CDG5 and OPRD1 were linked to psychopathic behaviors. The genetic expression explained up to 92% of the variance of psychopathic symptoms. Researchers speculated these genes may be relevant to the lack of empathy and emotional callousness associated with psychopathy, as previous studies have linked a number of these genes to ASD and problematic social behaviors.

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·April 15, 2021·3 min read

Adolescents With Lack of Empathy Show Early Signs of Psychopathy

Teens who display callous-unemotional traits are at higher risk of developing psychopathic traits as they enter adulthood.

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·August 1, 2023·3 min read

Behavioral Parallels: The Shared Routes of Aggression and Psychopathy

Aggressive and psychopathic individuals have difficulty shedding hostile behaviors once they've adopted them, according to new research. A mathematical model applied to a task assessing hostile responses confirmed this hypothesis.

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·August 5, 2016·4 min read

Brain Network of Psychopathic Criminal Functions Differently

Researchers report a strong focus on reward coupled with a lack of self control appears to drive criminal psychopaths.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 26, 2025·4 min read

Brain Structure Differences Linked to Antisocial Traits in Psychopathy

A new neuroimaging study has identified distinct structural brain differences in individuals with psychopathy, particularly those with high antisocial traits. Reduced volumes were found in subcortical and cortical areas involved in emotion, decision-making, and social behavior.