The relationship between psychopathy traits and neurodevelopmental disorders in forensic populations : a systematic PRISMA review

Allely, CS; Cooke, DJ

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies investigate the rate of neurodevelopmental disorders in forensic populations. Studies have also investigated the rate of psychopathy in such settings. However, there appears to be a paucity of studies looking at both of these (co-morbidity between these disorders) and the possible relationships between the two in forensic populations. Method: Presented here are the findings from a systematic review conducted, following PRISMA guidelines, of the peer-reviewed literature. The review identified studies that investigated the rate and/or relationship of neurodevelopmental disorders (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders) and psychopathy in a forensic sample population without relying on previous childhood diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Results: Twenty-two studies were identified which investigated the rate and/or relationship of neurodevelopmental disorders and psychopathy in a forensic sample population without relying on previous childhood diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for the development of screening and diagnostic tools especially targeted at offenders and validated for this purpose.

Citation

Allely, C., & Cooke, D. (2016). The relationship between psychopathy traits and neurodevelopmental disorders in forensic populations : a systematic PRISMA review. Sociology and anthropology (Alhambra, Calif. Online), 4(5), 380 -407. https://doi.org/10.13189/sa.2016.040511

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 7, 2016
• Online Publication Date: May 1, 2016
• Publication Date: May 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: May 19, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: May 19, 2016
• Journal: Sociology and Anthropology
• Print ISSN: 2331-6179
• Electronic ISSN: 2331-6187
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 380 -407
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.13189/sa.2016.040511
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.13189/sa.2016.040511
• Related Public URLs: http://www.hrpub.org/journals/jour_info.php?id=96