Neuropsychological Correlates of Aggressive and Antisocial Behavior

Neuropsychological functions were seldomly taken into considerations when investigating aggressive and antisocial behavior - furthermore, the results are heterogeneous. A wide research identified studies that examined the relationship between neuropsychological performance and antisocial behavior in adolescents. The results are presented in subtypes of aggressive, antisocial behavior (conduct disorder, physical aggression, delinquent behavior and psychopathy). Essentially the study results suggest a relevance of verbal and executive functions. Deficits in these functions are particularly noticeable in early-onset persistent and violent behavior. Verbal and executive functions as well as their interaction are discussed with regard to social competence and antisocial behavior. The results are discoursed based on the applied methods and the influence of ADHD and intelligence. Finally neuropsychological deficits are related to biosocial risk factors in the development of aggressive behavior and clinical implications are discussed.