Mental illness and criminal behaviour: a literature review

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature in relation to mental illness and criminal behaviour. The material presented for discussion was selected from forensic and general psychiatric literature. However, a number of important publications, policy documents and independent reports were used to explore the debate surrounding this subject. Contemporary studies of prison populations in the UK and abroad illustrated the difficulty in relating mental illness to crime. Papers presenting research in the UK revealed important implications for mental health policy and the way in which the penal system deals with mentally disordered offenders. The literature reviewed provided arguments for and against an association between mental illness and criminal behaviour. Methodological problems associated with criminological and psychiatric research were addressed in relation to the exploration of whether people suffering from a mental illness are more dangerous or violent than other people. Research papers focusing on public reaction to mentally ill people living in the community provided important considerations when addressing mental illness and criminal behaviour in the context of care in the community policy. This paper will be of interest to a broad range of mental health professionals, particularly those working with individuals who have a history of mental illness and violent behaviour, or mental health professionals working with mentally disordered offenders.

Long-Term Suicide Risk in Forensic Psychiatric Patients

“…Indeed, the UK media are keen to focus on the criminal behavior of the mentally ill (Anderson, 1997). However, while 33 former patients had verdicts of suicide (18), open verdicts (8) and accidental=misadventure= unknown (7), only 5 were convicted following homicides whereas 78 (14.4% of those with data available) were convicted of grave offences (offences that carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under UK law, e.g., attempted murder, rape; or arson).…”

A false dichotomy? Mental illness and lone-actor terrorism.

“…The wider criminology literature suggests that much promise exists in utilizing mental illness as a central variable with relation to criminogenic factors. As Anderson (1997) explains, the symbiotic relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior is complex. Comorbidity of mental illness with other behaviors is well documented across the literature and include substance abuse (Todd et al, 2004) and violent and criminal convictions (Anderson, 1997).…”

Disaggregating Terrorist Offenders: Implications for Research and Practice

“…Using mental illness as a central variable with relation to the criminogenic factors may also be a promising approach. As Anderson () explained, the symbiotic relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior is complex. Comorbidity of mental illness with other behaviors is well documented across the literature and includes substance abuse (Todd et al, ) and violent and criminal convictions (Anderson, ).…”

“…As Anderson () explained, the symbiotic relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior is complex. Comorbidity of mental illness with other behaviors is well documented across the literature and includes substance abuse (Todd et al, ) and violent and criminal convictions (Anderson, ). It is also a common understanding in psychiatric practice (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM] and International Classification of Diseases [ICD]).…”