Neurocognitive disorder pertains to having brain deficits in executive functioning. This may be displayed as an individual that is violent towards others, lacks cognitive flexibility and has inhibition dysfunctions (Walden University, LLC, 2022; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In other words, an individual that engages in intimate partner violence may have a neurocognitive disorder which impacts decision making and impulse control. Additionally, individuals that suffer from neurocognitive disorders can develop by way of a traumatic brain injury after birth and result in different ways that can be exhibited emotionally and mentally (Walden University, LLC, 2022). Detained youth tend to have neurocognitive disorders that are diagnosed with conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) (Walden University, LLC, 2022; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For example, I counseled an 8-year-old male that was diagnosed with ODD whereby he did display neurocognitive dysfunctions. If someone of authority or a classmate would disagree with him or if he thought someone did not like him, it would send him into a rage. In respect to his parents that according to him, fought and argued a lot in the home. If he was sleeping and their arguing disturbed him, he had violent thoughts towards his parents, specifically his father. Also, he would have violent episodes at school whereby he would throw furniture at students and his teachers which resulted in him being placed in psychiatric hospitals a few times. This client is a prime example of what type of behavior may be displayed when there are neurocognition deficits.
Williams, Chitsabesan, Fazel, McMillan, Hughes, Parsonage and Tonks (2018) argued that a high cause of death among children and the youth is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Once TBI occurs, it can result in emotional dysregulation, social interaction deficits and increases the risk of behavior disorders (p. 1). It has been argued that TBI can lead to personality and cognitive issues (p. 1). TBI is defined as a “blow to the head in a fight, an assault, fall or car crash (p. 2). Once TBI has occurred, it can impact an individual’s memory, attention, concentration and planning. Also, due to TBI causing injury to the frontal lobe of the brain, there can be behavioral issues such as being aggressive, impulsive, making bad decisions and having a lack of control in social situations (p. 3). Neurological dysfunctions are common among offenders which are linked to reoffending. Lastly, childhood trauma including abuse and neglect can intensify the effects.
Explain how and why some of the symptoms associated with neurocognitive disorders contribute to criminal behavior.
Neurocognitive disorders can lead to criminal behavior. Individuals that have experienced TBI’s tend to engage in criminal behavior (Walden University, LLC, 2022). Also, individuals that participate in criminal behavior at an early age tend to continue a life of crime as an adult (Williams et al., 2018, p. 1). Adult prisoners were found to have TBI (65% males; 72% females) which was the result of 5,049 participants that was conducted in 24 U.S. studies (Williams et al., 2018, p. 11). For instance, if an offender experienced childhood trauma such as witnessing domestic violence and being abused by one of their parents, the individual will tend to become violent towards others in adulthood. This is due to having executive functioning dysfunctions whereby decision marking and impulse and emotion control is hindered. Sometimes individuals that suffer from neurocognitive disorders are unable to “regroup” after a trauma or tragedy and at times will exhibit or engage in violent behavior.
Explain the forensic psychological implications of neurocognitive disorder.
The forensic psychological implications of neurocognitive disorders can be tragic if psychology professionals are not properly trained. Walden University, LLC. (2022) argued that professionals that are not neurocognitive informed can miss a lot of important aspects when it comes to assisting offenders. For example, an offender that is violent towards others could very well be suffering from a neurocognitive disorder. Other symptoms that would support this finding include being impulsive, unable to cope with trauma (lack of resilience) or being stuck socially or emotionally. It is imperative that forensic psychologists are educated when it comes to all the various complications or symptoms that can exist when a neurocognitive disorder exists (Williams et al., 2018). Being equipped with this knowledge will result in forensic professionals rendering effective treatment for clients.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Links to an external site.
Walden University, LLC. (2022). Neurocognitive disorders: A case study. [Interactive]. Walden University Blackboard. https://class.waldenu.eduLinks to an external site.
Williams, W. H., Chitsabesan, P., Fazel, S., McMillan, T., Hughes, N., Parsonage, M., & Tonks, J. (2018). Traumatic brain injury: A potential cause of violent crime? The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(10), 836–844. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30062-2
