Mitigation: Psychiatric Symptoms

Mental health problems manifest in many ways. Depression, mania, addiction and psychosis have profound effects on behavior. Sometimes substance use and psychiatric disorders interact and amplify symptoms. Some psychiatric disorders are marked by poor insight. These patients may leave treatment and struggle to manage in the community. Some of the most dramatic psychiatric symptoms are Read More...

Mitigation: Substance Use

Early or heavy substance use can have a profound impact on an individual’s brain, with resulting changes in judgment and behavior. Substances can lead to acute impairment during periods of intoxication and withdrawal. Some substances (stimulants, PCP) induce a psychotic state during and shortly after use. These substances can mimic schizophrenia with delusions, hallucinations and Read More...

Mitigation: Immaturity

Some defendants are legally adults but are less-than-mature neurologically. Neurodevelopmental research tells us that brain maturation is not complete until mid-twenties. What are the implications of an immature brain? Impulsivity, poor judgment, decreased impulse control and susceptibility to peer influences. Young adults are more likely to engage in risk-taking and to abuse substances. These behaviors are Read More...

Mitigation: Life Experiences

Among the life experiences that are linked to adult problems, childhood adversity is the best studied and has the most compelling data. In study after study, early life adversity is linked to medical, mental health and other problems including substance abuse and involvement with the criminal justice system. The negative effects of early life experience Read More...