Your child, the psychopath

If a brain scan could tell you your child might be a future psychopath, would you have him or her tested?

According to an article in the Telegraph, two criminologists have presented research that suggests that  brain scans on children as young as 3 might be a predictor of criminal tendencies.

British criminologist Adrian Raine says that abnormal physical brain make-up might not only predict, but in fact could cause criminality. Certain parts of the brain are commonly smaller in criminals and psychopaths, he said. Not fearing punishment is also a sign of potential future bad behavior.

A lack of empathy

Dr Nathalie Fontaine from Indiana University focuses on behaviours that might predict future anti-social behaviour. According to her research on twins, a lack of empathy might show itself very early and be associated with behaviour such as stealing, lying, fighting and bullying.

The experts said that a combination of therapy, positive reinforcement and dietary adjustment might be the best course of action.

So would you like to know if your child displays the early signs of criminality?