Serious Mental Illness, Article Review Example

The article entitled “Effects of Serious Mental Illness and Substance Abuse on Criminal Offenses” addresses a number of important challenges which are common in criminals with deep levels of mental illness, and how these persons are viewed from the perspective of the criminal justice system (Junginger et.al, 2006). The research project considered the information provided in police reports, and whether or not criminal actions might be directly attributed to mental illness, using a series of rating scales to evaluate the offenses and their potential causes (Junginger et.al, 2006).  In evaluating mental illness symptoms and their relationship to criminal offenses, such factors as depression, confusion, and substance abuse were considered (Junginger et.al, 2006). Therefore, it was determined that there is not a direct correlation between the symptoms of mental illness and the tendency to commit criminal offenses, which supports the demand for further investigation and evaluation into this relationship (Junginger et.al, 2006). It is expected that upon a further review of different case examples, there might be more of a direct correlation between mental illness behaviors and criminal offenses, but the limitations of this study demonstrate that further evaluation is warranted (Junginger et.al, 2006). Therefore, in the direct context of this particular study, it has been determined that the criminalization hypothesis is difficult to prove, thereby requiring further analysis (Junginger et.al, 2006).

In an evaluation of mental illness and its impact on criminal behaviors, it is important to consider the different issues that are most relevant in addressing mental illness and its impact on criminal behavior. In some ways, it may be necessary to consider the impact of mental illness on the manner in which criminal cases are managed, as a means of providing these persons with the appropriate tools that are necessary to obtain treatment for their condition (Lurigio and Swartz, 2000). There have been varying opinions throughout recent history in regards to criminal behavior and its relationship to serious mental illness, and most recently, many researchers have backed away from the assumptions made in earlier studies that these two concepts are directly related (Lurigio and Swartz, 2000). It is important to recognize that there are significant factors in determining how mental illness impacts the tendency to commit crimes (Lurigio and Swartz, 2000).

Finally, in other studies, there has been a definitive assessment made that there is not a direct relationship between mental illness and the propensity to commit criminal offenses, and that only a small percentage (i.e. 3 percent) of all offenses were committed by persons with serious mental illness (Stuart and Arboleda-Florez, 2001). Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research regarding the stigma of serious mental illness and why much of society is likely to associate this condition with the likelihood of criminal offenses. This relationship requires further investigation, and should be explored in the context of its capacity to have a lasting impact on the ability of the criminal justice system to fairly evaluate criminal offenses, as well as any underlying mental conditions that might exist. These efforts will demonstrate that these problems must be addressed as best as possible to provide individuals with serious mental illness with the attention and the treatment that they deserve to achieve a greater sense of optimum health.

References

Junginger, J.,Claypoole, K., Laygo, R., and Crisanti, A. (2006). Effects of serious mental illness and substance abuse on criminal offenses. Psychiatric Services, 57: 879-882.

Lurigio, A.J., and Swartz, J.A. (2000). Changing the contours of the criminal justice system to meet the needs of persons with serious mental illness. Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/criminal_justice2000/vol_3/03c.pdf

Stuart, H.L., and Arboleda-Florez, J.E. (2001). A public health perspective on violent offenses among persons with mental illness. Psychiatry Services, 52: 654-659.

Evaluate the contributions stemming from the research project in relation to the study of criminal behavior (findings that may have been made to new information on the topic area or applications).
Include a minimum of two scholarly references, using citations and a Reference page in APA format.