The relationship between serotonergic function and the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version.
Reduced serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmission has been reported in impulsive and aggressive personality disordered and offender samples. What is not clear is the relationship between 5-HT function and the North American construct of psychopathy assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist and its derivatives, which emphasizes the core interpersonal/affective as well as behavioural components of this syndrome. Fifty-one DSM-III-R personality disordered offenders who had a dynamic assessment of 5-HT function (prolactin response to 30 mg d-fenfluramine challenge) were rated on the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version based on interview and file data. The Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL: SV) mean score in the sample was similar to other reports in European forensic samples. A three-factor structure best explained the PCL: SV data: arrogant/deceitful, callous-unemotional and impulsive-antisocial behaviour factors. 5-HT function did not correlate with psychopathy as a unidimensional phenomenon. The impulsive-antisocial component correlates negatively with 5-HT function while the arrogant/deceitful component correlates positively with 5-HT. In line with previous research findings, impulsive-antisocial conduct shows an inverse relationship with 5-HT function. Arrogant/deceitful traits correlate positively with 5-HT function and may be an adaptive component of psychopathy.
Dolan
Mairead C
MC
Adult Forensic Mental Health Services, Mental Health Services of Salford and Department of Psychiatry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. mdolan@edenfield.bstmhp.nhs.uk
Anderson
Ian M
IM
D000328:Adult; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*
D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012701:Serotonin