Abstract

ALEMAN ORTIZ, Omar Felipe  and  SANDOVAL-OBANDO, Eduardo. The neurobiology of the killer: neuroanatomical, genetic, biochemical, extrinsic and social aspects. Rev. Crim. [online]. 2022, vol.64, n.3, pp.137-152.  Epub Mar 20, 2023. ISSN 1794-3108.  https://doi.org/10.47741/17943108.370.

The question of why someone would want to murder another person still has no single answer: survival, hatred, pleasure, revenge? In the face of this phenomenon, neuroscience offers a relevant and current area of understanding to answer this question. Several clinical and neuroimaging studies have shown diverse anatomical, biochemical and genetic alterations and their relationship with a variety of neural networks associated with aggressive behaviors. Subregions in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus and temporal lobe play an important role in the development and functioning of the biology of aggression. Genetic variations in the regulation of proteins and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine have been established as mediators of aggressive and homicidal behaviors. Epigenetic interactions and social mediators represent additional important risk factors for aggression. The present article systematizes some of the factors that influence homicidal behavior. It delineates their risk factors and neurobiological correlates, as well as provides evidence-based information to aid in the prevention of such behaviors, the multidimensional understanding of crime, and the development of effective interventions based on forensic cognitive neuroscience.

Keywords : killers; behavior disorders; forensic neurology; psychopathology; criminal behavior.

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