Psychopathy, PCL-R, and MAOA genotype as predictors of violent reconvictions.
The Revised Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R) has shown a moderate association with violence. The efficacy of PCL-R in varying monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genotypes is, however, unexamined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PCL-R and psychopathy on the risk for violent reconvictions among 167 MAOA genotyped alcoholic offenders. Violent reconvictions and PCL-R scores among violent offenders were assessed after a 7-year non-incarcerated follow-up. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the alcohol exposure and age-adjusted effect of PCL-R score and psychopathy on the risk for reconvictions among differing MAOA genotypes. Results suggest that the PCL-R total score predicts impulsive reconvictions among high-activity MAOA offenders (6.8% risk increase for every one-point increase in PCL-R total score, P = 0.015), but not among low-activity MAOA offenders, whereas antisocial behavior and attitudes predicted reconvictions in both genotypes (17% risk increase among high-activity MAOA offenders and 12.8% increase among low-activity MAOA offenders for every one-point increase in factor 2 score). Both narcissistic self-image with related interpersonal style (factor 1 score) and psychopathy (PCL-R ≥ 30) failed to predict future violence. Results suggest that the efficacy of PCL-R is altered by MAOA genotype, alcohol exposure, and age, which seems important to note when PCL-R is used for risk assessments that will have legal or costly preventive work consequences.
Tikkanen
Roope
R
Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, Finland. roop.tikkanen@helsiki.fi
Auvinen-Lintunen
Laura
L
Ducci
Francesca
F
Sjöberg
Rickard L
RL
Goldman
David
D
Tiihonen
Jari
J
Ojansuu
Ilkka
I
Virkkunen
Matti
M
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D057189:Checklist; D005387:Finland; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011599:Psychopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
D008995:Monoamine Oxidase