Little noticed by much of society, a landmark study on the genetic link to character disorder was released on June 20th by researchers at the University of Georgia. As seen in TwinCountyNews, a single gene, OXT, can make or break whether we form healthy relationships and social connections.
A team of over 120 investigators, lead by Brian Haas, Assistant Professor of Psychology, found that the OXT gene enables us to process facial expressions and social thinking. Also affected are our brain structures and the amount of grey matter in certain areas of the brain that are critical to relationships.
These findings could open the door to how we view and treat social disorders such as Narcissism, Borderline Personality Disorder and Anti-Social Personality Disorder. It could ultimately lead mental health professionals down the road to identify and intercede with greater success when parents see the makings of character disorder, or conduct disorder, in their children. Society will become far more aware that Sociopaths and Psychopaths are born with brain deficits that create their cruel interaction with the rest of the world.
Bravo, UGA!