Implications of Delusional Disorders and Criminal Behaviour for Criminology

• NCJ Number: 221562
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 87-99
• Author(s): C. Bezuidenhout; C. R. Collins
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon. Downloaded on February 13, 2008.

Annotation

In an attempt to offer a better understanding of the relationship between delusional disorders and criminal behavior, this paper provides a historical overview of delusional disorders followed by a discussion of the criteria and subtypes of delusional disorders and the potential connection to criminal behavior.

Abstract

Those suffering from delusional disorders may seem harmless or eccentric until they commit a crime. It is for this reason that knowledge about delusional disorders is of great importance. It is also important that those qualified to make such diagnoses in order to determine the criminal liability of the accused, should correctly diagnose the specific delusional disorder. However, criminologists need enough information about the disorder to assist clinical staff in the preparation of court reports should an accused commit a crime “under the influence” of a delusion. In this paper, actual case studies of delusional disorders, within the first five main subtypes identified under the APA/DSM-IV-TR are applied to crimes that are likely to be committed when acting under these delusions, such as erotomanic and stalking, grandiose and defamation and forgery, jealous and domestic violence, persecutory and violence, and somatic and violent crime. In some instances delusions elicit behavior that may be criminal in nature. The concept “delusional disorder” derives from the Greek work paranous, meaning paranoia. According to the APA/DSM-IV-TR, the diagnosis of delusional disorders should meet five criteria (A through E). In addition, there are seven types of delusional disorders: erotomanic, grandiose, jealous, persecutory, somatic, mixed, and unspecified. Other delusions identified include: delusions of control, delusions of reference, and delusions of self-accusation. Delusional disorders generally affect individuals in middle or late adulthood, ranging from 18 to 90 years of age. When there are instances where delusions elicit behavior that is harmful to other and is considered criminal in nature, the study of delusions becomes important to criminology. References