Aggression and the event-related potentials in antisocial personality disorder

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we measured event related potentials (ERPs) in a male sample of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) patients who were free of substance and alcohol abuse and compared them with those of normal subjects. We also aimed to determine whether or not there was a correlation between aggressive behaviors and ERPs. Materials and Method: A total of 42 ASPD patients and a control group of 44 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. In both groups, the subjects had not used alcohol or any psychotropic medicine for at least 15 days prior to enrollment. Results: There were no significant differences in age, education, and marital status between the ASPD and control group. P3 amplitude (AP3) values were significantly lower in the ASPD group compared to the controls (p<0.01). P3 latencies (LP3) were no different in the ASPD group relative to the controls. No correlation was found between the N2 latencies (LN2), LP3, N2 amplitude (AN2) or AP3 values, and the total and subscale scores of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire in either group. Conclusion: AP3 in the antisocial group was reduced significantly compared to the control group in line with previous literature reports. In contrast to the literature, LP3 did not show significant differences between the groups, which is a noteworthy result.