A personality disorder is a lasting pattern based on inner experience and behavior model that differs significantly from social and cultural expectations (DeLisi, 2013). The question of a connection between personality disorder and criminal behavior is very important and requires deep consideration. This paper is dedicated to the examination of odd or eccentric personality disorders and their connection with the development of criminal tendencies. This type of personality disorder is characterized by a prevailing behavior model of suspicion to other people and their motives (i.e. paranoid personality disorder), desire to distance oneself from interpersonal relations and maximally restrain from expression of emotions in public (i.e. schizoid personality disorder) and intentional reduce of close relationships combined with eccentricity in behavior, perceptual and cognitive deformities (i.e. schizotypal personality disorder).
The etiology of the eccentric personality disorders is two-sided: genetic and environmental (Esterberg, Goulding & Walker, 2010). The first aspect stems from the history of such disorders in the families of people who are in the risk group. If relatives are diagnosed with these disorders, this increases significantly the possibility of their appearance in further generations. The key etiological aspect, however, is the environmental aspect. In the meantime, the family can play an important role in the disease treatment: family members can facilitate an individual’s passing through difficult periods. If an individual belongs to the risk group, the lack of sympathy, attention, and professional assistance increases the probability of the disorder’s development. Thus, it is important to keep in mind not only the genetics aspect but the environment and the upbringing as well.
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"Personality Disorder and Criminal Behavior".
Experimental studies and research establish the correlation between the eccentric personality disorder and criminal behavior. For example, the long-term research with a large sample of young people from New York (the research was conducted in 1983-1993) proves this correlation. The researchers argue that participants with a greater number of eccentric personality disorder symptoms are more likely to commit crimes and violent acts in the adolescent and early adulthood period (Johnson et al., 2000) in comparison to their peers. Another research shows that individuals with eccentric disorders lack constituency in motives and are, thus, subject to sudden changes in behavior that can lead to committing crimes. Earlier stages of disorders are characterized by insignificant crimes (e.g. small shop thefts), but further development of disorders leads to serious crimes (e.g. aggression, violence, and murder) that are committed without any reasons or external triggers (Milani & Gharibi, 2016).
It is important to trace the signs of personality disorders in order to prevent the development of criminal tendencies in individuals at the earliest stage possible. The typical signs of such disorders include increased level of aggressiveness and irritancy, impulsivity and inability for strategic planning, inability to comply with common social norms of behavior, indifference to the consequences of own actions, lack of reflection regarding own misconduct, and anxiety for deception and concealment of real intentions (DeLisi, 2013). Together with this, one should bear in mind that only continuous observations of the above-listed signs can be considered as the symptoms of personality disorders. Having noticed such symptoms, it is necessary to ask for professional help and address specialized hospitals.
Personal disorders can be treated in order to prevent the development of criminal tendencies in individuals. Psychotherapy is considered to be one of the key treatment tools used for such types of disorders. During psychotherapy, an individual can provide useful insights into the reason for disorder occurrence, the development of its symptoms and the current emotional state. This information helps professionals to work out an efficient recovery plan depending on the severity of the disorder and its personal peculiarities. Personal disorder psychotherapy does not offer any medications that could eliminate all the symptoms. However, certain medications (e.g. antidepressants, mood stabilizers) can help to mitigate specific symptoms. In any case, it is important to realize the seriousness of such disorders, their possible consequences, and ask for professional assistance if its symptoms appear.
