For the most part the abnormal processes is likely in relation to social learning. This refers to the environmental influences on criminal behavior. This can include modeling behavior (observing someone else acting violently and replicating the act), lack of appropriate reward and punishments for behavior, as well as a bevy of additional socialization processes.
Although one could argue that diagnosable mental illnesses only represent a small proportion of etiological considerations in violent criminal acts, it is a significant minority that must be considered. Following is a list and description of mental disorders that can often be either a possible cause or are seen as comorbid with violent criminal acts.
CHILDHOOD DISORDERS
A number of specific mental illnesses may appear in children and adolescents that are directly related to criminal behavior.
Conduct Disorder - with conduct disorder there is a repetitive and persistent behavioral pattern in which the rights of others is violated. A specific sub grouping of the disorder focus upon the causation or threatening of physical harm upon other people or animals. It is clear that this disorder itself would be directly related to, and a predominant etiological factor with, violent acts. Conduct disorders are more typically found in child and adolescent populations. Those older then 18 tend to qualify for Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder - with ODD there is a repetitive and persistent pattern of negatively defiant, disobedient, and hostile behaviors. The victims of such actions are typically those who are authority figures (parents, teachers, police). Hostility in ODD typically is limited to annoying and verbal acts directed towards those in positions of authority. When a child becomes physically violent it tends to be in the realm of Conduct Disorder. However, when challenged it is not unheard of that a ODD individual would act out violently. It would just not be as persistent had it been a result of Conduct Disorder.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - ADHD is not commonly related to aggressive acts. However, a correlation is not unheard of or highly unlikely. When an individual is constantly seeking new stimulation they may eventually get into areas that are illegal or highly dangerous (i.e., investigating firearms). Additionally, during hyperactive behavior a child may accidentally, through a purposefully reckless act, injure another in a violent way.
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