Are schizophrenic patients more likely to commit crimes?
By Paramuth Sricharoenvej
Patients with mental health disorders are more prone to committing crimes. In particular, schizophrenia, which is the most common diagnosis among offenders according to research, often amplifies fears and biases against the sufferers, potentially increasing risks for criminal behaviour. However, individuals with schizophrenia are not inherently more violent than the general public.
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that includes symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised speech. In today’s society, people with schizophrenia face heaps of stigma, making it difficult for individuals to integrate well into society without being ostracised. There are many existing factors that cause schizophrenia, including genetic, psychological and social factors. Genetic factors include genetic predispositions for the condition, such as the presence of the C4 gene; psychological factors include stress levels or traumatic events which often act as a catalyst for the illness; social factors such as maternal behaviour that affects the environment the children are raised in. While individuals with schizophrenia can commit crimes, the occurrence and nature of these crimes depend on various factors.
Often news reports show selective focus on schizophrenia alluding to the idea that it is the ultimate cause of violence without considering other factors. While treatment is available, the stigma persists, causing these individuals to be judged and ostracised. Additionally, there is a stronger link between substance abuse and violence in those with schizophrenia, and individuals with a history of violence or antisocial behaviour before developing schizophrenia are more likely to be violent after diagnosis. This therefore shows that those with “innate'' violent tendencies are the core factor in committing crimes, schizophrenia may only be an accompanying factor rather than a driving force.
There are effective ways to reduce crimes committed by people with schizophrenia, such as close supervision and proper medication use. Furthermore, integrating them into society by providing jobs, housing and skills helps them feel like valued members of the community. Hence, society should give these individuals a chance, as they are not always dangerous.
Not all individuals with schizophrenia commit acts of violence. People without any psychiatric diagnosis also commit violent crimes. It's important to emphasise that violent behaviour may not be caused by schizophrenia itself.