Mental Illness

Mental Illness and Crime

Crime and Mental Illness

      Mental illness is a “disorder (some say a disease) of the mind that is judged by experts to interfere substantially with a person’s ability to cope with life on a daily basis. It presumably deprives the person of freedom of choice, but it is important to note that there are degrees to this deprivation.” (Annie. M. & Curt Bartol, p.209) Mental illness is a serious disease that can have many different outcomes that come from someone who has committed a crime, or in other words trigger them to the crime itself.   Depression is one of the most common types of mental illness that majority of every one is aware of. “The four categories of mental disorders most relevant are ( 1) schizophrenic disorders, ( 2) paranoid disorders, ( 3) mood disorders ( serious depression), and ( 4) the personality disorder called “ antisocial personality disorder.” ( Anne.M. & Curt Bartol, pg 210)   Just because a person man or woman is diagnosed with an mental illness doesn’t mean that they are exempt from being punished for the crime they commit. “Antisocial Personality Disorder is the most highly correlated mental disorder with crime. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder are the 'psychopaths' we are familiar with from television shows and movies that have sensationalized these individuals. An individual with Antisocial Personality Disorder has a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, and violations of them.” (M. Decaire, 2000)   An, example of crime were, mental illness was used as a way to try and get out of being punished for the crime.   June 20, 2001 Andrea Yates killed here five children and called the police for help. Once police arrive she admits that she killed her children in the bath tub. The is one of those crimes that make anyone wonder how can any woman who has given birth to five children drown them in a bathtub. Once she has to go to stand trial her and her attorney concocted for her to use the... [continues]

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