PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR: A CLINICAL CRIMINOLOGY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Criminal behaviour is a multidimensional phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, psychiatric, environmental, and social factors. Clinical criminology focuses on understanding criminal conduct through psychological and psychiatric assessment of offenders. This research examines the psychiatric and psychological determinants that contribute to criminal behaviour, including personality disorders, psychopathy, schizophrenia, depression, substance abuse, trauma, cognitive distortions, impulsivity, and emotional instability. The study also evaluates the role of neurobiological abnormalities and psychosocial influences in shaping antisocial and violent behaviour. Modern criminological research suggests that criminality cannot be explained solely through social conditions; rather, mental disorders, maladaptive personality traits, impaired cognition, and emotional dysregulation significantly increase the risk of offending. The paper further discusses forensic psychiatric assessment, rehabilitation, and treatment approaches aimed at reducing recidivism. A clinical criminology perspective helps in understanding offenders not merely as lawbreakers but as individuals influenced by complex psychological and psychiatric conditions.

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