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Comorbid mental illness and criminalness implications for housing and treatment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 May 2015

Nicole R. Bartholomew  and
Robert D. Morgan
Nicole R. Bartholomew
Affiliation:
Psychology Services, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Big Spring, Texas, USA
Robert D. Morgan*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
*
*Address for correspondence: Robert D. Morgan, PhD, Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, PO Box 42051, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

The relationship between mental illness, violence, and criminal behavior is complex, and involves a multifaceted interaction of biological, psychological, and social processes. In this article, we review the emerging research that examines the neurobiological and psychological factors that distinguish between persons with mental illness who do and who do not engage in crime and violence. Additionally, a novel model for understanding the interaction between mental illness and criminalness is proposed. (As defined by Morgan and colleagues, criminalness is defined as behavior that breaks laws and social conventions and/or violates the rights and wellbeing of others.) Stemming from this model and outlined research, we argue that management and treatment approaches should target the co-occurring domains of mental illness and criminalness to improve criminal and psychiatric outcomes. Specifically, we discuss and propose effective housing (management) and biopsychosocial intervention strategies for improving outcomes.

Keywords

Comorbidcriminalnessmental illnessoffenderviolence
Type
Review Articles
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 20 , Special Issue 3: Violence in the Psychiatric Setting , June 2015 , pp. 231 - 240
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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Footnotes

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the Department of Justice.

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