Neurocognitive Disorder Pertains To Brain Deficits

Neurocognitive Disorder Pertains To Having Brain Deficits In Executive

Neurocognitive disorder pertains to having brain deficits in executive functioning. This may be displayed as an individual that is violent towards others, lacks cognitive flexibility, and has inhibition dysfunctions (Walden University, LLC, 2022; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In other words, an individual that engages in intimate partner violence may have a neurocognitive disorder which impacts decision-making and impulse control. Additionally, individuals that suffer from neurocognitive disorders can develop by way of a traumatic brain injury after birth and result in different ways that can be exhibited emotionally and mentally (Walden University, LLC, 2022).

Detained youth tend to have neurocognitive disorders that are diagnosed with conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) (Walden University, LLC, 2022; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). For example, I counseled an 8-year-old male that was diagnosed with ODD whereby he did display neurocognitive dysfunctions. If someone of authority or a classmate would disagree with him or if he thought someone did not like him, it would send him into a rage. In respect to his parents that according to him, fought and argued a lot in the home. If he was sleeping and their arguing disturbed him, he had violent thoughts towards his parents, specifically his father. Also, he would have violent episodes at school whereby he would throw furniture at students and his teachers which resulted in him being placed in psychiatric hospitals a few times.

This client is a prime example of what type of behavior may be displayed when there are neurocognition deficits. Williams, Chitsabesan, Fazel, McMillan, Hughes, Parsonage, and Tonks (2018) argued that a high cause of death among children and the youth is traumatic brain injury (TBI). Once TBI occurs, it can result in emotional dysregulation, social interaction deficits, and increases the risk of behavior disorders (p. 1). It has been argued that TBI can lead to personality and cognitive issues (p. 1). TBI is defined as a “blow to the head in a fight, an assault, fall or car crash (p. 2). Once TBI has occurred, it can impact an individual’s memory, attention, concentration, and planning. Also, due to TBI causing injury to the frontal lobe of the brain, there can be behavioral issues such as being aggressive, impulsive, making bad decisions, and having a lack of control in social situations (p. 3). Neurological dysfunctions are common among offenders which are linked to reoffending. Lastly, childhood trauma including abuse and neglect can intensify the effects.

Explain how and why some of the symptoms associated with neurocognitive disorders contribute to criminal behavior. Neurocognitive disorders can lead to criminal behavior. Individuals that have experienced TBIs tend to engage in criminal behavior (Walden University, LLC, 2022). Also, individuals that participate in criminal behavior at an early age tend to continue a life of crime as an adult (Williams et al., 2018, p. 1). Adult prisoners were found to have TBI (65% males; 72% females) which was the result of 5,049 participants that was conducted in 24 U.S. studies (Williams et al., 2018, p. 11).

For instance, if an offender experienced childhood trauma such as witnessing domestic violence and being abused by one of their parents, the individual will tend to become violent towards others in adulthood. This is due to having executive functioning dysfunctions whereby decision making and impulse and emotion control is hindered. Sometimes individuals that suffer from neurocognitive disorders are unable to “regroup” after a trauma or tragedy and at times will exhibit or engage in violent behavior. Explain the forensic psychological implications of neurocognitive disorder. The forensic psychological implications of neurocognitive disorders can be tragic if psychology professionals are not properly trained.

Walden University, LLC. (2022) argued that professionals that are not neurocognitive informed can miss a lot of important aspects when it comes to assisting offenders. For example, an offender that is violent towards others could very well be suffering from a neurocognitive disorder. Other symptoms that would support this finding include being impulsive, unable to cope with trauma (lack of resilience), or being stuck socially or emotionally. It is imperative that forensic psychologists are educated when it comes to all the various complications or symptoms that can exist when a neurocognitive disorder exists (Williams et al., 2018). Being equipped with this knowledge will result in forensic professionals rendering effective treatment for clients.

Paper For Above instruction

Neurocognitive disorders represent a significant concern in the intersection of mental health and criminal behavior, particularly because of their impact on executive functioning. Executive functions, which include decision-making, impulse control, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation, are often compromised in individuals with neurocognitive deficits. These impairments can manifest in violent behaviors, impulsivity, and difficulty adjusting to social norms, thereby increasing the risk of criminal activity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Walden University, LLC, 2022). The understanding of how neurocognitive impairments contribute to criminal behavior has profound implications for forensic psychology, criminal justice, and mental health interventions.

Neurocognitive Disorder and Its Manifestations

Neurocognitive disorder primarily involves deficits in brain functions that regulate higher-order processes, particularly within the frontal lobes. These deficits can result from various causes, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), degenerative diseases, or developmental anomalies. TBI is notably prevalent among youth and offenders, often resulting from falls, assault, or vehicular accidents, and it significantly impairs functions such as memory, attention, planning, judgment, and emotional regulation (Williams et al., 2018). The implications of these impairments are particularly concerning in offenders, where they can directly influence decision-making and impulse control, facilitating criminal acts.

For example, a case study involving an 8-year-old male diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) illustrates how neurocognitive dysfunctions can influence behavior. This child exhibited violent episodes when authority figures or peers disagreed with him, coupled with violent thoughts towards family members, especially his father. Such behaviors are indicative of deficits in emotional regulation and impulse control linked to neurocognitive impairment. His repeated violent actions at school, including throwing furniture, led to hospitalization—highlighting the severity of neurocognitive deficits in youth offenders (Walden University, LLC, 2022).

Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Role in Criminal Behavior

Traumatic brain injury is a critical factor in understanding criminality, especially considering its high prevalence among juvenile and adult offenders. Research indicates that approximately 65% of male and 72% of female prisoners have a history of TBI, which correlates with increased impulsivity, aggression, and social disinhibition (Williams et al., 2018). The injury often results in damage to the frontal lobes, impairing executive functions that regulate behavior, leading to impulsivity and poor decision-making. Such impairments can precipitate or escalate criminal behavior, especially when compounded by childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, which further dysregulates emotional and cognitive functioning (Williams et al., 2018).

How Neurocognitive Symptoms Contribute to Crime

Symptoms associated with neurocognitive disorders, such as impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, poor judgment, and social disinhibition, directly contribute to criminal behavior. Individuals with impaired executive functions often struggle to regulate their impulses, leading to violence or other illegal acts. For example, an individual who witnesses domestic violence or experiences abuse may develop neurocognitive deficits that hamper their ability to process emotions healthily. This often results in a cycle of violence, with early trauma exacerbating neurocognitive impairments and increasing the propensity for aggressive or criminal acts in adulthood (Williams et al., 2018; Walden University, LLC, 2022).

Furthermore, neurocognitive deficits hinder the capacity to "regroup" after traumatic or adverse events, making offenders more prone to react violently or impulsively. Such behaviors are often misinterpreted during legal proceedings unless mental health professionals recognize the underlying neurological impairments. These deficits not only influence the likelihood of reoffending but also affect the offender's capacity to participate meaningfully in treatment or rehabilitation programs (Williams et al., 2018).

Forensic Psychological Implications

The forensic psychological implications of neurocognitive disorders are profound. Accurate assessment of offenders' neuropsychological status is vital for developing effective treatment plans and appropriate legal responses. Professionals who lack training in neurocognitive impairments risk misdiagnosing or overlooking key symptoms, which can lead to inadequate interventions. For instance, an offender exhibiting impulsivity, social withdrawal, and violent tendencies might actually be suffering from neurocognitive deficits stemming from TBI or developmental disorders. Recognizing these issues is critical for determining criminal responsibility, sentencing, and rehabilitation needs (Walden University, LLC, 2022).

Proper education and training of forensic psychologists are essential to identify neurocognitive impairments accurately. Such knowledge informs decisions regarding competency, mitigation, and risk assessment. Moreover, treatment approaches tailored to neurocognitive deficits—such as cognitive rehabilitation, behavior modification, and trauma-informed care—can reduce recidivism and promote better social integration. Failure to consider the neurocognitive component in forensic settings may lead to punitive measures that do not address underlying neurological issues, potentially resulting in repeated offenses and further victimization.

Conclusion

When understanding the link between neurocognitive disorders and criminal behavior, it becomes evident that brain impairments affecting executive functioning play a crucial role. Traumatic brain injuries, childhood trauma, and neurological dysfunctions contribute to impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and poor decision-making, which increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal acts. Forensic psychology must prioritize the assessment and treatment of neurocognitive deficits to ensure just and effective interventions. Educating professionals about the neurological underpinnings of offender behavior is essential to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism, ultimately fostering a justice system that considers the complex interplay between brain health and criminality.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
• Williams, W. H., Chitsabesan, P., Fazel, S., McMillan, T., Hughes, N., Parsonage, M., & Tonks, J. (2018). Traumatic brain injury: A potential cause of violent crime? The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(10), 836–844.
• Walden University, LLC. (2022). Neurocognitive disorders: A case study. [Interactive]. Walden University Blackboard.
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