Can We Predict Future Arrest in Criminals?

In this narrow study, anterior cingulate cortex activity is linked to re-arrest in criminals.

Standard demographic assessments have been used to try to predict which felons will commit crimes after prison release. A recent study using functional magnetic resonance imaging has examined the potential applicability of brain imaging for this purpose — specifically, whether anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity during a specific functional task (go/no-go impulse-control task) would predict subsequent re-arrest in released criminals.

The 96 male prisoners (age range, 20–52) from two state correctional facilities were evaluated at prison release; they were also assessed for other possibly relevant factors (e.g., psychopathy, alcohol or drug abuse/dependence). Mean follow-up was 34.5 months. Lower ACC activity (measured in units) correspo…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience