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Psychopathological features in a sample of substance-abusing individuals with criminal history: Towards a definition of a personality prototype of an 'Addict with Criminal Conduct'.

Authors :
Gori, Alessio
Ponti, Lucia
Tani, Franca
Iraci Sareri, Giuseppe
Giannini, Marco
Meringolo, Patrizia
Craparo, Giuseppe
Bruschi, Angelo
Caretti, Vincenzo
Cacioppo, Marco
Paterniti, Rolando
Schuldberg, David
Source :
Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health; Oct2017, Vol. 27 Issue 4, p312-325, 14p, 5 Charts
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

<bold>Background: </bold>The relationship between substance use disorders and criminal activity is strong, and one that is not easily resolved in the criminal justice system. A better understanding of personality traits among substance misusers who commit offences could support better treatment efforts.<bold>Aims: </bold>The aim of this study is to explore associations between the psychopathology of people addicted to substances who have also committed crimes.<bold>Methods: </bold>We recruited 263 substance-dependent individuals (80% male, 20% female) from a cohort of people attending regional community services in Italy. They all completed an extensive evaluation of their current mental health and personality traits. Their official criminal records were obtained, and the psychopathology of those who had a criminal record compared with those who did not.<bold>Results: </bold>The criminal group was more likely to perceive the external world as hostile and to consider others as responsible for their own problems and difficulties; in addition, substance-dependent individuals with criminal records showed more personality traits within the psychopathy range and fewer in the dependent personality range than the substance abusers who had never committed crimes.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>These findings allow us to hypothesise that substance abusers who also have criminal convictions may have a specific personality profile. If further research were to confirm this, then it could have important implications for identifying people for particular treatment pathways and developing more effective treatments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09579664
Volume :
27
Issue :
4
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
125561409
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.1999