This research report presents information regarding brain injury and criminal behavior. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in changes in personality and aggressive behavior that leads to criminal behavior. Clinical characteristics and psychological manifestations of TBI are discussed as are effects of substance abuse on brain injury and crime.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for the single most important cause of neurological morbidity and mortality in the United States population under the age of 40. Severe TBI results in nearly 40 percent mortality and only 30 percent to 40 percent return to normal neurological functioning after serious brain injury. Subdural hematoma is the most lethal head trauma; diffuse axonal injury is the second most lethal head trauma. Minor brain injuries can result in a post-concussive syndrome with psychiatric manifestations of reactive depression, suicidal, and homicidal behavior (Diaz, p. 131; & Imao, 1996, p. 324).
TBI effects approximately two million Americans annually at an overall cost of around 38 billion dollars. Problems associated with TBI include headache, fatigue, impaired memory, concentration, attention, and information processing, depression, aggression, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, and sexual problems. Personality and behavioral changes are the most common concern. From six months to two years after injury, TBI patients demonstrate temper outbursts, self-centered behavior, anxiety, and aggressiveness. A study noted that 80 percent of patients demonstrated personality changes two years after injury; changes persisted in 65 percent of the cases for 10 to 15 years following the injury. In a study of U.S. military population, TBI patients were examined for outcome after injury. Results showed discharge for alcoholism or drug use was 2.6 times for mild TBI, 5.4 times for moderate TBI, and no difference for severe TBI, compared to total discharge populati...