Childhood brain injury could lead to crime later in life

Childhood brain injury could lead to crime later in life.

People who suffer a traumatic brain injury as a child are more likely to commit offenses as adults, researchers say. A traumatic brain injury is caused by an external force, such as a bump or blow to the head, which disrupts the normal function of the brain. The effects range from mild memory difficulties to dementia, seizures and depression. The researchers looked at participants’ lifetime involvement in offending behaviour, and also assessed the participants on emotional behaviour, looking at malevolent aggression, social anxiety and social self-esteem.