Functional Magnetic Resonance connectivity of moral reasoning processing areas in patients with psychopathic traits, convicted for crimes.
The aim of the study is to perform an MR study with a 3T magnet in criminal psychopatic patient convicted for crimes, in order to analyze neural connectivity in specific brain region using Brain Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) functional sequences during the resting state. We hypothesize an abnormal functional connectivity within brain regions involved in moral reasoning, as known by literature, and we want to investgate its association with the psychopathic index (PCL-r).
This prospective study will include adult male prison inmates subject (
Since R.E.M.S. were opened no studies where published in literature, so we haven't yet any datas about Italian criminal population reclused in these structures. The results will offer a unique opportunity to explore the neural correlates of psychopathy in italian criminal population and to better comprehend mechanisms below the moral judgment.
The multidisciplinary approach to psychopaty provide innovative information over current state of the art, improving knowledge of the differences between psychopathic and non-psychopathic criminals, in view of medico-legal implications.