Psychopathology and Violent Crime

The psychiatric community has debated for years the significance of the relationship between mental disorder and serious violence. Psychopathology and Violent Crime goes to the heart of this controversial and complex subject. Dr. Skodol presents the results of extensive epidemiologic samples and studies of criminal populations on the correlation between crime and mental disorder. Specifically, this reference covers: • Studies on the relationship of violence at Axis I psychopathology and discusses the genesis of violent behavior among psychotic patients• Findings from research data, clinical experience, and analysis of the personality profiles of 300 murderers, which provide clues on the motivations of murderers and prisoners• Research on the relationship between Axis II disorders and the motivation for criminal behavior, typically a neglected area of research• Importance of antisocial personality disorder and other personality psychopathology in understanding some of society's most horrific murderers• Genetic and biological studies on the correlation of crime and aggression at the neurobiological level• The implications of violence and psychopathology to the criminal justice system and to the prevention of violent crimes This annotated volume presents the cutting-edge research on biological, psychological, and social factors influencing violence in the mentally disordered. It is a resource psychiatric professionals, as well as anyone working in the legal system, will find useful.