NCJ Number
90940
Journal
Neuropsihijatrija Volume: 22 Issue: 1-4 Dated: (1974) Pages: 61-75
Date Published
1974
Length
15 pages
Annotation
After a review of contemporary perspectives on the delinquency of epileptics, the authors describe epileptics who were admitted to the Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce in Zagreb, Yuogslavia.
Abstract
Most of the group were younger people. The group mainly had low social origin and status and a low degree of education. More than 50 percent of the group were unemployed at the time of their crime and only 45 percent were married. About one-third of the patients had suffered a brain injury, while some others had inflammatory diseases. About 83 percent of the patients were mentally retarded. The most usual manifestation of epilepsy was a combination of grand mal attacks, confused states, and progressive organic decay. An abnormal EEG was registered in about 72 percent of the patients. The most usual personality traits were asocial tendencies, hypomania, and hypochondria. In no case was the crime committed during an epileptic attack. Most of the patients were without medication at the time of the crime. The probability of repeated crimes was 58.3 percent, much higher than that of the average delinquent population. Compared to the average delinquent population, epileptic delinquents are more dangerous. Tables and 44 references are provided. (Author summary modified)