Understanding criminal behavior, specifically robbery, has been an area of intense interest at the intersection of neuroscience and genetics. This opinion piece addresses this complex issue, exploring the neuroanatomical and genetic underpinnings that may influence individuals to engage in criminal activity, with a particular focus on robbery.
Diving into the Neuroanatomy of Criminal Behavior
1. Pre-Frontal Cortex:
• Essential for decision making, planning, impulse control and moral judgment.
• Changes in their size and connectivity have been linked to criminal behavior. Studies show a correlation between lower volume in the dorsolateral and ventromedial areas and the propensity for criminal behavior.
• Hypoactivity in this region can lead to difficulties in controlling impulses and making complex moral decisions.
2. Limbic System:
• The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions such as anger and fear, may be hyperactive in individuals with personality disorders and aggressive behavior.
• Changes in the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory and emotional regulation, are also relevant. Studies indicate lower volume in this area in people with a history of childhood abuse, which can influence emotional regulation and the predisposition to deviant behavior.
3. Other Brain Areas:
• The cingulum, important in emotional processing and moral decision making.
• The basal ganglia, involved in motor control and action planning.
• The cerebellum, crucial for processing sensory information and motor planning.
The Influence of Genetics on Criminal Behavior
1. MAOA Gene (Monoamine Oxidase A):
• Related to the regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
• Variants such as MAOA-L and MAOA-H are associated, respectively, with a greater and lesser propensity for impulsive and aggressive behaviors.
2. DRD4 Gene (Dopamine D4 Receptor):
• Influences dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to reward and risk.
• The DRD4-7R variant is associated with greater novelty seeking and impulsivity.
The complexity of criminal behavior is such that it cannot be attributed to a single cause. While variations in the brain and genes play a crucial role, they interact with a variety of environmental, social and educational factors. Aspects such as being raised in violent or abusive environments, exposure to negative influences during development, and the presence of mental disorders contribute significantly to criminal behavior.
This article provides an overview of current research in neuroscience and genetics related to criminal behavior, specifically robbery. However, it is essential to recognize that this is a constantly evolving field, with many questions still unanswered. Discoveries in this area must be used with caution, avoiding simplifications and stigmatization, and always considering the individual in their broader context.
Neurogenomics of violence in violent countries like Brazil
It is crucial to understand how socio-environmental factors specific to Brazil influence these neuroscientific and genetic discoveries. Problems in academic and family education, associated with challenges such as inadequate nutrition, poverty, social disparity and complex political issues, contribute significantly to the scenario of violence in the country.
In Brazil, the gap in the quality of education between different social classes and regions creates fertile ground for marginalization. Lack of adequate educational resources and unstable family environments can limit cognitive and emotional development, which is essential for healthy functioning of the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Additionally, inadequate nutrition, often linked to poverty, can affect brain development, impacting behavior and the ability to make decisions.
Marked social disparity and political problems, including corruption and ineffective policies, exacerbate feelings of injustice and frustration, potentially leading to criminal behavior. The prevalence of narcissism and mental health problems, often neglected or poorly treated due to limitations in the healthcare system, are also relevant aspects.
Therefore, to effectively address violence in Brazil, it is essential to consider not only the biological bases, but also these socio-environmental challenges. Integrated public policies that address education, health, nutrition and social inequality are fundamental to effectively combat violence and develop a healthier and safer society.
References
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2. Brunner, H.G., et al. (1993). “X-linked borderline intelligence and aggression in males with a functional polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A gene.” Psychological Medicine, 23(2), 234-240.
3. McEwen, BS, et al. (2010). “Stress and the brain: The role of corticotropin-releasing factor and dehydroepiandrosterone.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1204(1), 132-146.
4. Caspi, A., et al. (2002). “Moderation of the effect of adolescent-onset cannabis use on adult crime by childhood maltreatment.” Biological Psychiatry, 51(10), 739-747.
5. Ebstein, RP, et al. (1996). “Dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) exon III polymorphism associated with the human personality trait of novelty seeking.” Nature Genetics, 12(1), 78-80.
6. Patton, J.H., et al. (1999). “Association between the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene and antisocial personality disorder in a sample of Australian twins.” American Journal of Medical Genetics, 88(6), 597-602.
