Citation

Williams WH, Chitsabesan P, Fazel S, McMillan T, Hughes N, Parsonage M, Tonks J. Lancet Psychiatry 2018; 5(10): 836-844.

Affiliation

Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30062-2

PMID

29496587

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the biggest cause of death and disability in children and young people. TBI compromises important neurological functions for self-regulation and social behaviour and increases risk of behavioural disorder and psychiatric morbidity. Crime in young people is a major social issue. So-called early starters often continue for a lifetime. A substantial majority of young offenders are reconvicted soon after release. Multiple factors play a role in crime. We show how TBI is a risk factor for earlier, more violent, offending. TBI is linked to poor engagement in treatment, in-custody infractions, and reconviction. Schemes to assess and manage TBI are under development. These might improve engagement of offenders in forensic psychotherapeutic rehabilitation and reduce crime.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en