Abstract
Abstract Electroencephalographic abnormalities in psychopathic personalities and in forensic population were reported in many EEG studies but at this time the problem presents still unresolved question. Within this context aim of this study is to present findings of several EEG abnormalities in different types of criminal behavior in comparison to healthy controls. Studied sample included four groups. The first group (n=20) included offenders of violent criminal activity evaluated as impulsive, non-deliberate, affectively motivated and affectively aggressive. The second, control group (n=20) included individuals who committed no criminal activity and has no mental disorder. The third group (n=20) included violently deliberately behaving delinquents and the fourth group (n=20) included delinquents performing property criminal activities, non-violent and non-impulsive. An EEG abnormality was found in 70 % of subjects. Multiple abnormalities were found in 35% of the subjects. In non-impulsive delinquents higher rate of EEG abnormalities were found (30 % and multiple abnormalities in 5 %). Other groups i.e. thefts and the control group show no significant EEG changes. In summary, the results show the highest occurrence of EEG abnormalities in the group of impulsive criminals. The results are in agreement with previous findings that did not find specific EEG signs in different types of criminal behavior exception of impulsive aggressive criminals.
Highlights
Electroencephalographic abnormalities in psychopathic personalities and in forensic population were reported in many EEG studies but at this time the problem presents still unresolved question (Mednick et al, 1982; Patrick, 2008; Loeber & Pardini, 2008)
The findings suggest that impairment of left hemisphere functions may enhance the propensity for violent behavior in a subgroup of offenders (Pillmann et al, 1999). In this context it is needed to note that several authors emphasized that subjects with personality disorders and criminal behavior have the same occurrence of EEG abnormalities as other mental disorders (Volavka, 1990; Small, 1993)
In our previous studies we have reported different EEG abnormalities and P 300 changes in different types of criminal behavior (Zukov et al 2008) which correspond to results of other studies (e.g. Mednick, 1982 etc.)
Summary
Electroencephalographic abnormalities in psychopathic personalities and in forensic population were reported in many EEG studies but at this time the problem presents still unresolved question (Mednick et al, 1982; Patrick, 2008; Loeber & Pardini, 2008). Hill and Pond (1952) explored hundreds of offenders and noted EEG abnormality in nearly 50% of cases This finding is presently seconded by other studies in murderers, violent, and non-violent offenders (Mednick et al, 1981; Petersen et al, 2007). The findings suggest that impairment of left hemisphere functions may enhance the propensity for violent behavior in a subgroup of offenders (Pillmann et al, 1999). In this context it is needed to note that several authors emphasized that subjects with personality disorders and criminal behavior have the same occurrence of EEG abnormalities as other mental disorders (Volavka, 1990; Small, 1993). Following the previous results the aim of the present study is to find specific changes in EEG in persons with three types of criminal behavior without psychiatric history in comparison to healthy controls
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