New diagnostic methods in criminology: Assessing organic sources of behavioral disorders

Multidisciplinary researchers are investigating the biochemical and physiological correlates of maladaptive behavior. Literature reviews and data analyses have isolated specific genetic, neurological, metabolic, and ecological factors that aggravate or intensify behavioral disturbances by influencing brain function and behavior. Recent advances in brain electrophysiological measurements promise to shed light on the dynamic interaction among physiology, biochemistry, the environment, and behavior by elucidating the neural mechanisms involved in the production of behavior. The purposes of brain analyses, in conjunction with conventional measurement procedures, are to identify those factors that have a deleterious impact on brain development and functioning, predict maladaptivity from these measures, and ascertain the remedial effectiveness of treatment modalities. In the present article, an effort is made to introduce new technologies in the measurement of brain function and behavior to criminological methodologies in order to investigate early detection, prevention, and remediation of maladaptive behaviors.