ASPECTOS PSICOJURÍDICOS DO COMPORTAMENTO CRIMINOSO EM PORTADORES DE ESQUIZOFRENIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT With important scientific advances in a secular search for better comprehension of the human nature, Criminal Psychology presents itself as a true ally to the Law by presenting bases for understanding criminal behavior. Discussions surrounding schizophrenia, always permeated the history of these two sciences. Being found in about 1% of the population, genetic and environmental factors are attributed as risk factors of this disorder, however the real cause still remains unknown. This study’s objective is to present etiological explanations of criminal behavior for those diagnosed with schizophrenia. We’ll utilize contributions of Criminal Psychology, Criminology, Law and Neuroscience, aiming to analyze the correlation between crime and schizophrenia, especially those involving violence.This investigation shows to have extreme relevance when we take into consideration the importance of adequate treatment to those diagnosed with this disorder, not only to prevent future crimes, but most importantly to prevent the degradation and inability to adapt these patients into society. This study has started leaning towards the historic perspective of crimes by Criminal Law and Criminology. Later on we emphasised the contribution of Criminal Psychology to Criminal Law, citing comprehension about the etiology of the criminal act and the offenders classification. We continued analysing mental disorders with focus on schizophrenia through Psychopathology. In the end, we highlighted neuropsychological aspects of violent crimes amongst schizophrenics, citing concepts of punishability and criminal responsibility of these individuals. To obtain these results we researched the database of SciElo, Google Scholar and PsiqWeb as well as current literature of this subject. We concluded that the existence of genetic and environmental factors that predispose these patients to criminal acts, seem to be related to the active phase of the pathology and to the presence of psychotic symptoms, which can also be associated with drug abuse. It is important to clarify that, even though schizophrenic patients show higher risk to violence when compared to the average population, we cannot generalize these patients as criminals since only a small percentage of social violence can be attributed to them.