Neuropsychiatry of frontal lobe dysfunction in violent and criminal behaviour: a critical review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To establish the link between frontal lobe dysfunction and violent and criminal behaviour, based on a review of relevant literature.

Methods

Articles relating evidence of frontal lobe dysfunction with violence or crime were collected through a MEDLINE search using the keyword "frontal lobe" combined with the terms "aggression," "violence," "crime," "antisocial personality disorder," "psychopathy," "impulse control disorders", and "episodic dyscontrol." Reference lists were then searched for additional articles.

Results

High rates of neuropsychiatric abnormalities reported in persons with violent and criminal behaviour suggest an association between aggressive dyscontrol and brain injury, especially involving the frontal lobes. The studies reviewed support a

SUBMITTER: Brower MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1737651 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature