Crime and Mental Illnesses – Is There a Connection?

Criminality and mental illness has often been portrayed in media as an inevitable relationship where one would lead to the other, however, in reality, the relationship is far more complex and misunderstood. While the connection exists, it is important to explore the link and also address the misconceptions for a clearer understanding of how mental illness intersects with criminal behavior, its impact and how crime affects mental health.

Does Mental Illness Contribute to Criminality?

Mental illness can contribute to criminal behavior in certain cases. But it is not a direct cause for most crimes. According to studies, certain types of mental disorders are associated more with violent tendencies and aggressive, impulsive behavior such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder and Conduct Disorder. However, research indicates that only 3-5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with serious mental illnesses. Moreover, a study found that only 7.5% of crimes committed by people with serious mental disorders were directly related to their symptoms.

Hence, mental illness accounts for a small contribution, albeit important, towards criminal behavior and factors such as substance use, socioeconomic background, lack of access to treatment, abuse and exposure to violence, circumstantial and economic along with socio-cultural factors play a more significant role in criminal behavior.

Criminals and Mental Illness Statistics

According to research and statistical findings, the association between criminality and mental illness is as follows:

• Approximately 1.2% million individuals with mental illnesses are incarcerated in jails or prisons across the US
• About 43% of state prisoners and 23% of federal prisoners report a history of mental health issues
• 27% of state prisoners and 14% of federal prisoners have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
• Individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder account for approximately 10% of all homicides in US and 33% of mass killings
• Rates of Antisocial Personality Disorder are significantly higher in prison populations ranging from 12% to 64% compared to less than 6% in general population
• 3 – 5% of violent crimes are attributed to individuals with mental disorders
• 85% of offenders had co-occurring substance use disorders

How Does Mental Illness Affect Criminal Behavior?

Mental health conditions such as psychotic disorders, impulsive behavior and conduct issues, substance use issues, can lead to an impaired problem solving and decision, risky behaviorsor actions that may violate the law. Moreover, a lack of treatment or access to mental health care can also significantly contribute towards violent or criminal behavior. Additionally, self-medication, use of alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms, often lead to substance-related offenses or violence.

How Does Crime Affect Mental Health?

Whether one experiences crime directly or indirectly, it can significantly impact a person’s mental state as both a victim of crime as well as an offender. There are three sides to this aspect:

• Victims of crime: Experiencing violence or criminal behavior can be a traumatic experience which can lead to anxiety, fear, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Offenders: The stress of trial and incarceration can lead to psychological distress, anxiety, depression, isolation, along with untreated mental health conditions can worsen symptoms and impact rehabilitation as well.
• Community: High crime rates in a community often lead to an increased fear of crime, widespread fear and anxiety which impacts the well-being and safety of the entire community.

Mental Illness and Crime in Criminology

Criminology analyses crime, criminal behavior and related patterns to identify trends and strategies to mitigate crime. When mental health and illness is studied in this interaction, the role of mental health in criminal behavior becomes prominent. To address this role, many programs are now focused on rehabilitation over punishment, wherein the need for understanding and treating the offenders underlying causes for committing crime is highlighted. Such programs help in reducing recidivism rates among offenders.

Moreover, throughout the stages of criminal justice system, courts and correctional facilities are increasingly incorporating mental health professionals to address this need of mental illness in crime.

Further, research suggests that increasing access to mental health care can reduce crime rates, such as, having 10 additional mental health care offices in a county correlates with a reduction of about 1.7 crimes per 10,000 residents, including a decrease in both violent and nonviolent crimes.

Preventive Measures to Break the Cycle of Violence and Crime

When it comes to addressing the intersection between mental illness and crime, certain prevention strategies can be employed given as follows:

• Increase Access to Mental health Services: As highlighted above, an increased access to care and treatment is crucial, especially if given at an early stage, hence early intervention and support is of utmost importance.
• Combatting Stigma: Psychoeducation and awareness among the public can help in reducing fear and misunderstanding about mental illness, crime and also reduce the stigma around seeking help for violent urges.
• Integrating Mental Health into the Justice System: Expanding the use of mental health professionals across investigations, law enforcement, trial and sentencing, correctional facilities and post-release follow-up is vital towards reduction of crime.

The relationship between mental illness and crime is multifaceted and while mental illness can sometimes influence criminal behavior, crime also has a major impact on mental health and well-being of individuals. To break this cycle, addressing the root cause of criminal tendencies and behavior, providing accessible mental health care, increasing awareness and empathy within our communities, and integrating mental health facilities into the justice system is extremely important. By focusing on understanding and treatment, we can foster a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment and hence, ensures appropriate support for those affected while also reducing crime rates.