A controversial idea is that some violence are derived from temporal lobe disorders. The abnormal EEGs and neuropathology of some people arrested for crimes are often associated with temporal lobe function.
Emotional dyscontrol syndrome: temoral lobe seizure -> aggressive behavior

Violence and temporal lobe disorders

Studies show that psychopaths do not react negatively to words about violence. Imaging studies show that they have reduced activity in prefrontal cortex and a smaller prefrontal cortex, which may impair their ability to control impulsive behavior

Psychopaths and violence

Critics: emphasize biological factors too much, overlook the most evident origins of violence such as poverty and lack of education
However, if biological factors can be addressed, some violent people can have treatments. (e.g. inhance serotonin activity)

Biological studies of aggression are controversial

- A controversy: some intense violence are derived from temporal lobe disorders (emotional dyscontrol syndrome)
- psychopath
- Biological studies of aggression are controversial

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Aggression
- Androgens seem to increase aggression
- Aggression has several neurochemical correlates
- A topic of controversy

Neural circuitry of violence and aggression

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Androgens are hormones that contribute to growth and reproduction in both men and women
- Androgen and aggression in animals
- Androgen and aggression in humans
- Some complicated variables in the relationship between androgens and aggression

Androgens seem to increase aggression

Aggressive behavior is modulated by neurotransmitter systems.
- Negative correlation between serotonin and aggression
- GABA and aggression
- Ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH)

Aggression has several neurochemical correlates

A topic of controversy

Aggression is defined as any behavior intended to cause harm or pain to another person. It is a core topic in social psychology, encompassing a range of actions with different underlying motivations.

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