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Mood Disorders
An examination of criminal behavioral patterns will often highlight the presence of either a major depressive disorder or a depressive episode. While it is related, I would argue that it is unlikely that depression is a primary causal factor in crime. For a self-defeating pattern seems to be much more common in depression. However, a comorbid relationship likely exists with other mental disorders (meaning that depression and other mental disorders coexist in the criminal mind). An individual who is in a psychotic or antisocial state may be triggered to act violently when experiencing hopelessness or other aspects of depression. While adults tend to express depression in a self defeating manner, youths and children tend to act aggressively. Therefore, it would not be surprising to find noticeable depression in aggressive youths who have committed violent crimes (i.e., school shootings). Bipolar depression may also appear in violence. Bipolar depression has the deep depressive 'lows' experienced in major depressive disorders along with manic episodes. A manic episode appears as extreme hyperactivity, impulsive actions, scattered thoughts, etc. It would not be surprising to see a correlation between criminal activity and bipolar depression. The impulsively alone is highly related to criminal acts. Bipolar individuals act without thinking ahead of consequences. They often do illegal or immoral acts. Psychotic Disorders For the most part I don't think you would find schizophrenia directly related to criminal motivation and behavior. Surely there is a number of schizophrenics who act in a criminal manner through the sure disorganization of the disorder. However, a direct motivation towards crime (mens rea) is not to common. The paranoid schizophrenic subtype of schizophrenia may be more highly related to criminal behavior then its counterparts. However, the individual may not believe they are acting for the sake of the crime or some benefit to themselves. But rather in a manner consistent with self defense. Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders (PTSD, phobia's, etc.) likely have no direct relationsihp with criminal motivation. Again accidental criminal acts may occur with this disorder. Individuals with anxiety disorders often experience panic type states that may lead them towards accidental criminal acts (i.e., vehicular crimes, negligence etc.) Part 3 to follow (personality disorders) Go To Page: 1
The copyright of the article Mental Disorders and Violent Crime (Part 2) in Forensic Psychology is owned by . Permission to republish Mental Disorders and Violent Crime (Part 2) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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