The link between mental disorders and criminality
Assoc Prof Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat12 Feb 2022 09:32am
Geshina said rather than blaming mental disorders for criminal behaviour, more focus should be given on the provision of timely services, evidence-based effective treatments, victim support networking and groups, social integration and acceptance into the workforce. (Photo source: 123rf)
Such myths and misunderstandings have shaped negative perceptions regarding mental disorders to the extent that many people fear them and the people who have them, react negatively or in a harmful manner, and are quick to equate mental disorders with criminality.
These negative perceptions need to be corrected as people with mental distress or difficulties are part of our community, and they did not ask to have those difficulties. Perceptions based on these myths make it harder for people with mental health conditions to be included in the community and some neighbourhoods tend to exclude or stigmatize those with such conditions, despite that they can still contribute positively to society.
The portrayal in social media and the entertainment industry have made such perceptions and attitudes worse.
The range of mental health issues is actually more than what is readily seen in such portrayals.
There have been movements and agendas to villainise people with mental health conditions (these are actually crimes in themselves) and should be stopped. Many do no harm and are better citizens compared to their more able counterparts.
Among the most popular myth is that individuals who have a mental disorder commit more crimes, especially crimes that are violent. There appears to be a universal perception that everyone with a mental illness is dangerous, and this has been exaggerated by the media and in movies and television series.
When a violent crime is reported, society is more ready to link criminality as a symptom of mental disorder, rather than deeming such behaviour as a deliberate action by a sane person.
Unfortunately, this bias also extends to the criminal justice system.
However, over the years and across countries, research findings show otherwise. In fact, those with mental disorders are more likely to be a victim of crime than the person committing an offence.
It is true that some psychiatric conditions increase an individual’s risk of committing a crime, but this should not be generalised to all psychiatric conditions.
For example, people who are depressed have a higher tendency to self-harm rather than harm others.
In addition, a higher likelihood does not mean confirmation of criminality. According to Köşger et. al. (2016), the most important and independent risk factor for criminality and violence among individuals with mental illness is a long-term substance use disorder.
If Malaysia is serious about achieving SDG3 (Good health and well-being), SGD 10 (Reduced Inequality) and SDG16 (Peace and Justice Strong Institutions) targets, more needs to be done beyond raising awareness and the reporting of limited statistics.
It starts with a better understanding of what mental health issues are and are not.
This is followed by demystifying myths and replacing them with truths and realities; as well as having in place sufficient health practitioners and affordable services for those in need.
There needs to be in place a more receptive and tolerant culture of group differences.
Often only family members of people with mental health conditions know something about said condition and even then, they may unwittingly contribute to the misunderstanding concerning mental health issues.
Rather than blaming mental disorders for criminal behaviour, more focus should be given on the provision of timely services, evidence-based effective treatments, victim support networking and groups, social integration and acceptance into the workforce.
Mental distress is not necessarily chronic and it is definitely not contagious. It can be temporary, mild, episodic, or even long-term; and not all spheres of life are equally affected.
Every person experiencing mental health challenges is different. With adequate treatment, people with mental health concerns can have fulfilling lives and contribute towards nation-building.
Assoc Prof Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat is a psychologist and criminologist under the Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. She is also a columnist with Sinar Daily.
