Law enforcement and mental health experts in Texas have long sought to understand sexual offenders. A series of recent studies have shown that part of the puzzle may lie in the pathology of these crimes. They seem to suggest that mental illness might be a factor in many types of sexual offenses.
Sex offenders have a history of illnesses
Recent studies have suggested a link between sex offenses and underlying mental illness. Men who commit these types of offenses have a higher chance of being hospitalized due to these conditions. This seems to contradict previously held beliefs that people who are mentally ill are less likely to commit these acts.
Sexual offenders were noted as being up to five times more likely to have been hospitalized for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. They were also shown to be three times more likely to have a documented history of bipolar disorder. A tendency toward serious personality disorders was also suggested.
Can early diagnosis prevent sexual offenses?
There are many types of sex offenses to be considered if the study can be proven to have merit. For example, it remains to be determined whether men with mental illnesses are more likely to commit harassment, misconduct, or outright assault. In general, sexual offenders have been reported to be six times more likely than the national average to be hospitalized for serious mental illnesses.
It is true that no positively identifying link between mental illness and sexual offenses has yet been shown. However, this is an avenue of study that does seem to suggest the potential for positive results. A more careful categorizing of these offenses may hold the key to better understanding them. This, in turn, could be the catalyst to improving preventative measures.
