[Neuropsychology of impulsive aggression].
BACKGROUND
Structural and functional abnormalities of the cerebral circuits involved in affect regulation are associated with the display of violent behaviors. The prefrontal cortex hypofunction linked to the subcortical structural hyperactivity is related to impulsive aggression.


OBJECTIVE
To review the current state of the neuropsychological studies concerning the possible dysfunctions in individuals who show violent and antisocial behaviors, considering the contributions for prevention and treatment.


METHODS
There is more and more evidence in favour of a neuroanatomical substrate which may represent a vulnerability factor in the expression of aggressive and antisocial behaviors. Recent studies with neuroimaging techniques show the crucial role of the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system, which are cerebral circuits in charge of affect regulation and the origins of impulsive aggressive behaviors. The importance of the functional balance of these regions is highlighted, as well as the role of impulsivity and abnormal affect control in the display of these behaviors. In addition, a view of differential underlying mechanisms of impulsive and premeditated aggression is supported.


CONCLUSIONS
The study of the possible neuroanatomical and functional substrates of the impulsive aggressive behaviors, linked to the study of the psychosocial factors may be relevant from neuropsychological perspective. This comprehensive view may contribute to a better understanding of antisocial behavior.
Alcázar-Córcoles
Miguel Angel
MA
Fiscalía y Juzgado de Menoresde Toledo, Ministerio de Justicia, Toledo, España. miguelangel.alcazar@uam.es
Verdejo-García
Antonio
A
Bouso-Saiz
José Carlos
JC
Bezos-Saldaña
Laura
L
D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D009484:Neuropsychology