Scientists: Brains of Psychopaths Have 'Potholes'

There appear to be some defects in brain connections in psychopaths.

SUMMARY: Psychopaths (people who are manipulative, impulsive and sensation-seeking and who apparently feel no remorse or empathy for misdeeds) have faulty connections in their brain, scientists have found. The bad connections link the part of the brain dealing with emotions with the part that handles impulses and decision-making.

British scientists studied psychopaths who had committed serious crimes like murder and multiple rape. Using new brain imaging technology, they found bad connections in the brains of psychopaths which did not show up in those of non-psychopaths. Also, the degree of abnormality was linked to the degree of psychopathy.

According to Dr. Michael Craig of King's College London, this study raises the possibility of developing treatments for dangerous psychopaths. He described the bad connections found in their brains as being like "potholes" in roads that weren't well maintained. Questions remain as to where the defects come from--are psychopaths born with them, do they develop early in life, or are they a consequence of something else?

Cautions were raised by this study. It was a small study involving only nine psychopaths and nine non-psychopaths. The scientists cautioned against suggestions that the study could lead to screening of potential psychopathic criminals before they commit crimes. The researchers indicated they don't know how, when or why the connections in the brains were damaged. Craig also said it is premature to discuss the moral significance for society raised by this research.

To read the entire article, click on this NEWS DAILY link.

COMMENT: I think we can all rejoice if this research leads to ways of helping dangerous psychopaths overcome their problems.

However, what we must worry about is studies like these being used to excuse crimes and other sins. The Bible makes no exception for bad brain connections when it comes to condemning murder, sexual sins, etc.

Alcoholics cannot excuse their habit by saying they have a propensity to drink. Same for heavy smokers. In the end, every criminal and every sinner could excuse his crimes and sins by saying "my genes made me do it." Such a situation the world could not tolerate.

This article rightly urges caution in arriving at any conclusions from this initial small study. But even if future research supports the study and concludes that brain connections in psychopaths are different, it simply means that people who have this condition must take special care to avoid temptations such as owning a gun or being in situations where they could commit a crime.

Psychopaths, like all of us, need to hear about the power of God to change our hearts, and possibly even our brains. They need to be reassured of his love and his offer of free and full forgiveness for all who confess their sins and have come to faith in the Lord Jesus. Then they will receive the gifts of salvation and life in that heavenly home where brain connections and everything else will be eternally good.

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QUESTION OF THE DAY

Is it okay to put ice on a burn?

No. According to several studies, ice on a burn will cause even more skin damage, possibly even frostbite. Instead, use cold water on the burn, take a pain reliever, and cover the burn with gauze.

Source: Bottom Line Personal (August 1, 2009)

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