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)

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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.