The neurobiology of abandonment homicide

A review is made of the typical modus operandi and psychological profile of uxoricide (wife murder) perpetrators. Typically, most had traumatic childhood and have current personality disorders (PD; typically Dependent, Passive-Aggressive, or Borderline PD). The uxoricide occurred during attempted abandonment of the relationship by the female and was characterized by extreme violence and elements of disorganized behavior by the perpetrator. A review is also made of the neuroanatomy and neurobiology of aggression. It is found that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is implicated in control of aggressive impulses. This cortical area matures during the critical "rapprochement subphase" of early development (1.5-2 years). Attachment dysfunction during this period may interfere with critical development. It is found that low levels of serotonin (5-HT) and high levels of norepinephrine (NE) are implicated in aggression. It is also found that low levels of 5-HT and high levels of NE are longterm neurobiological sequelae of trauma. Attachment trauma can occur during the rapprochement subphase. It is suggested that a biological basis may serve to connect early trauma experience with a specific rage response to abandonment and spousal homicide. Neural networks containing malignant memories may be the neural mechanism by which perceived abandonment generates such symbolic terror and rage. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.