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Behavioral genetics in antisocial spectrum disorders and psychopathy: a review of the recent literature
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Behavioral genetics in antisocial spectrum disorders and psychopathy: a review of the recent literature

Tracy D Gunter, Michael G Vaughn and Robert A Philibert
Behavioral sciences & the law, Vol.28(2), pp.148-173
03/2010
DOI: 10.1002/bsl.923
PMID: 20422643

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Abstract

Behavioral geneticists are increasingly using the tools of molecular genetics to extend upon discoveries from twin, family, and adoption studies concerning the heritability of antisocial spectrum disorders and psychopathy. While there is a substantial body of research concerning antisocial spectrum disorders in the behavioral genetics literature, only a few studies could be located using the phenotype of psychopathy. In this report we summarize some of the recent molecular genetics work concerning antisocial spectrum disorders and psychopathy, with a focus on genes involved in the serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways, while also mentioning some of the novel genetic factors being considered. Monoamine oxidase (MAOA) and the serotonin transporter (5HTT) are reviewed at length, as these genes have received significant scientific attention in recent years and are sites of high biological plausibility in antisocial spectrum disorders and psychopathy.
Genetic Predisposition to Disease Genome-Wide Association Study Humans Genetics, Behavioral Antisocial Personality Disorder - metabolism Monoamine Oxidase - genetics Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins - metabolism Antisocial Personality Disorder - genetics Phenotype Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins - genetics Serotonin - metabolism Dopamine - metabolism Monoamine Oxidase - metabolism

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