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Anger in personality disorders – catalyser of violence – bio-psycho-social mechanisms

Introduction Personality disorders designate a series of personality traits involving a behavioural pattern characterized by the recurrent violation of social norms, the importance of medico-legal implications associated to personality disorders being incontestable. Objective This study aims to obtain a clear image regarding the particularities of violent behaviour, and also the mechanisms of anger in personality disorders, in relation with the legal implications of those reactions. Methods The present study is a synthesis of recent literature (2012-2014) regarding the role of anger in violent behaviour with legal implications, in personality disorders. The research was made on PubMed, by the following keywords: personality disorder; violence in personality disorders; anger. Results The core element that determines violent behaviour is anger. The physical effects of anger include increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as an increase in the level of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Therefore, anger can be considered an integrant part of the response to a potential aggression or a potentially dangerous environment. Several general circumstances can activate anger. A strong example in supporting this theory is the bidirectional relation between anger within personality disorders and the use of alcohol and psychoactive substances. The individual gets extra stimulation, including through their psychopharmacological properties, thus exacerbating anger. Conclusions In conclusion, it is necessary to conduct future studies focusing on the underlying causes of violence in personality disorders, as well as on the warning signs of potential violent acts, considering that personality disorders alone often cannot explain criminality.

The Relationship Between Schizophrenia and Criminality

Introduction Schizophrenia represents a risk factor for violent behavior, even escalating to murder. Objectives The current study aims to provide information regarding the prevalence and types of criminal acts committed by schizophrenic patients and identifying the precipitating factors. Aims The purpose of this study is to obtain an overall view on the peculiarity of criminal behavior in schizophrenic patients in order to create efficient means of prediction and prevention. Methods The current study collected all the data from Medline PubMed, from articles published between 2004-2014, by searching key words like violent behavior, schizophrenia, schizophrenia and criminality. Results Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are usually associated with a substantially increased rate of violent crimes, in comparison to the general population. The risk factors include the same as in the general population, with a social and family background, and also specific risk factors found in schizophrenic patients like delusional and hallucinatory elements which drive patients to perform criminal actions. Conclusions The criminal behavior manifested in schizophrenic patients shows certain features, especially at a motivational level, emphasizing the need for the early detection of delusional and hallucinatory symptoms that drive patients to do act of crimes, in a close relationship to the social cultural and also family context that creates their background.