Traumatic Brain Injury and Delinquency

Daniel Buckfire

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Traumatic brain injuries are associated with delinquent behavior. According to a new study by the University of Michigan, nearly one out of five delinquent youths suffer from a traumatic brain injury. The study focused on young people ages 11 to 20 and found those with traumatic brain injuries had a significantly earlier onset of criminal and substance-using behavior, more lifetime substance abuse problems, and suicidal tendencies than youths without traumatic brain injuries.

The study defined traumatic brain injury as a head injury causing 20 minutes or more of unconsciousness. The study did not assess post-injury treatment or severity of the initial injury. However, it is well known that lack of treatment can only make the problems normally associated with a traumatic head injury worse.