Brain self-regulation in criminal psychopaths
Lilian Konicar1, Ralf Veit2, Hedwig Eisenbarth3
11] Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany [2] International Centre for Ethics in the Science and Humanities, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|March 25, 2015
Summary
Neurofeedback training using Slow Cortical Potentials (SCPs) helps psychopathic offenders regulate brain activity. This intervention reduced aggression and impulsivity, offering a novel treatment for this challenging population.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Psychopathy is marked by emotional deficits, impulsivity, and aggression, often linked to cortical dysfunction.
- Neurofeedback of Slow Cortical Potentials (SCPs) shows promise for disorders involving cortical dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of intensive SCP-neurofeedback training in treating severe psychopathic offenders.
- To assess neurophysiological and behavioral changes following brain self-regulation intervention.
Main Methods:
- Psychopathic offenders underwent intensive SCP self-regulation training.
- Brain activity, aggression, impulsivity, and behavioral inhibition were monitored pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Participants successfully controlled fronto-central brain excitability.
- Observed reductions in aggression, impulsivity, and behavioral approach tendencies.
- Improvements in behavioral inhibition and error-processing sensitivity were noted.
Conclusions:
- SCP-neurofeedback training demonstrates neurophysiological, behavioral, and subjective improvements in psychopathic offenders.
- This approach offers a novel, neurobiologically-based treatment for a previously treatment-resistant group.
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