AP Psych EBQ-The Brain and ASPD

AP Psychology Evidence-Based Question: Brain Abnormalities in Antisocial Personality Disorder Introduction: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is characterized by a disregard for and violation of the rights of others. Research suggests a link between ASPD and brain abnormalities. This question will explore three studies investigating specific brain regions and their potential role in ASPD. Study 1: Amygdala Function Participants: Two groups: adults diagnosed with ASPD (n=30) and healthy controls (n=30) matched for age and gender. Methodology: Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing images of emotional faces (happy, sad, angry). Brain activity in the amygdala, a region involved in processing emotions, was measured. Results: The ASPD group showed significantly less activation in the amygdala compared to the control group, particularly for images of fearful faces (see graph below). Graph: Brain Region ASPD Group Control Group Amygdala Activation (Fearful Faces) (Low) (High)

drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets Discussion: Reduced amygdala activity in the ASPD group suggests a potential impairment in processing fear, which could contribute to their disregard for social norms and consequences. Study 2: Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) Structure Participants: Two groups: adolescents with conduct disorder (a potential precursor to ASPD) (n=40) and healthy controls (n=40). Methodology: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were used to measure the volume of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a region involved in decision-making and impulse control. Results: The conduct disorder group displayed reduced grey matter volume in the ventromedial PFC compared to the control group. Discussion: Lower grey matter volume in the PFC of the conduct disorder group may indicate structural abnormalities that could contribute to the impulsivity and poor decision-making often seen in ASPD. Study 3: Reward Processing Participants: Adults with ASPD (n=20) and healthy controls (n=20). Methodology: Participants completed a gambling task while undergoing PET scans. Brain activity in the striatum, a region associated with reward processing, was measured. Results: The ASPD group showed increased activation in the striatum compared to the control group when receiving rewards (e.g., winning money). Discussion: Heightened striatal activity in the ASPD group suggests a greater sensitivity to rewards, which may lead to a stronger motivation for risky or impulsive behaviors in pursuit of those rewards. Overall Discussion: These three studies provide converging evidence for the role of brain abnormalities in ASPD. The findings suggest potential dysfunctions in emotional processing (amygdala), decision-making (PFC), and reward sensitivity (striatum) that could contribute to the characteristic behaviors of the disorder. Note: This is a hypothetical example, and actual studies may vary in methodology and results.