This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Handbook of Forensic Psychiatric Practice in Capital Cases


Depression


Depression is not associated with violence statistically, but can be relevant in understanding an individual’s perpetration of a violent act in terms of:


• Hopelessness impacting on judgment • Increased perception of criticism or threat • Reduced threshold to loss of control, usually against self but sometimes against another • Psychosis where present (see above)


Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)


Tere is no definitive link between PTSD and violent behaviour at a population level, but studies of Vietnam veterans suffering from the condition consequent upon battle have demonstrated enhanced irritability, aggression and substance misuse, leading to enhanced violent offending.


For the individual, symptoms of PTSD relevant to their violent act can be:


• High levels of anxiety and arousal • Hypervigilance or preparedness – being ‘on the lookout’ and highly sensitive to threat • High levels of impulsivity and anger • Triggering from flashbacks • Higher levels of dissociation • Nightmares resulting in violent actions during sleep


Asperger’s syndrome and other autistic spectrum disorders


Tere is no clear link between autistic spectrum disorder and violent offending at a population level, but the following aspects can be relevant in individuals:


• Lack of concern for social norms • Lack of awareness of the consequences of actions on other people • Lack of empathy • Lack of understanding of other people’s behaviours and actions • A tendency to interpret others’ words in a concrete manner • Lack of understanding of what is wrong in moral and social terms


Learning disability


Learning disability does not increase the risk of serious violence, but people with learning disability are over-represented in prison populations. Tis may be because they are more readily apprehended when they offend, and because aspects of their condition contribute to offending as follows:


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