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Violent Crime Genes?
Are violent tendencies learned through someone's environment, or are they hardwired into their genes?
The question if violent tendencies are learned through someone’s environment, or hardwired into their genes has been pondered by many therapists and scientists over the years.
Swedish investigators have now tipped the scales towards genetic predisposition. They have identified two specific genetic mutations that appear to be linked to a higher risk for extremely violent behavior.
The study was lead by Dr. Jari Tiihonen, a professor in the department of clinical neuroscience with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
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One of the mutations involves a version of gene called MAOA. This genetic mutation appears to short circuit the usual way the hormone dopamine is processed and controlled. Prior research has suggested that an excess of dopamine can promote aggressive behavior, particularly when mixed with drugs or alcohol, according to background information in the study.
The other mutation involves a gene known as CDH13. This mutation seems to impede the development of normal neural connections and undermine impulse control. It has previously been linked to the onset of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the study.
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“I think that it is important to realize that there are probably many more genes that contribute to violent behavior,” Dr. Tiihonen stated. He noted that simply carrying the mutations does not mean a person is inevitably destined for a life of violence.
In fact, Tiihonen pointed out that although carriers of the MAOA and CDH13 mutations are 13 times more likely to commit a violent crime, “the vast majority of high-risk genotype individuals do not commit severe violent crimes.” The researchers only found an association between violent crime and gene mutations; the study didn’t prove the mutations were the cause of such behavior.
Tiihonen and his colleagues discussed their findings in the Oct. 28 online issue of Molecular Psychiatry.
Neither mutation was found to be associated with nonviolent crime, according to the study.
Could these findings lead to a futuristic world of policing, in which some citizens are genetically pegged as trouble long before a crime has even been committed? Would the government want to test babies at birth to see their violent potential? This sounds like “Big Brother” for sure! I am sure that the American Civil Liberties Union would have something to say about that!