NEUROBIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF VIOLENCE - RELEVANCE TO CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

Studies addressing the relationship between neurotransmitter functioni ng and violent crime are reviewed. A rich literature exists to support the notion that monoamine (i.e., serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephr ine) neurotransmitter functioning is related to human aggressive behav iour. Results from these studies provide, at best, indirect evidence t hat neurotransmitter abnormalities are involved in violent criminal be havior. Few studies have specifically addressed the role of neurotrans mitter functioning in violent crime. To illustrate how current knowled ge in this area has been applied in forensic settings, a case study in which neurotransmitter functioning was introduced as evidence to supp ort an insanity defense is presented. Potential problems associated wi th such defenses are discussed. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.