Genetics and forensic psychiatric nosology

Abstract

Background

Research on genetic mechanisms involved in human behaviour stands before a huge discrepancy. One the one hand, twin research has shown that strong genetic effects are involved in creating individual differences in virtually all human behaviour patterns, including aggression. On the other hand, molecular genetic research has not been able to identify gene variants associated with such traits.

Aims

To review the current state of genetic research on aggression, psychopathy and criminality.

Method

Systematic literature searches for aggression, psychopathy, criminality, antisocial, conduct disorder and ADHD vs. gene/genetic, following both the epidemiological and the molecular strands.

Results

Genetic effects explain a considerable part the variance in aggression. No molecular genetic variant specifically involved in this causation has been identified, even if there are some promising findings.

Conclusion

Genes are important but the mechanisms involved are enigmatic and most certainly unspecific.