Kevlar for the Mind: PTSD rarely the root cause of crime - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Navy Times

Kevlar for the Mind: PTSD rarely the root cause of crime

In previous columns, I’ve talked about a number of issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder. One issue I haven’t discussed is rather controversial and not commonly talked about — using PTSD as an excuse for unsavory and illegal behavior.

At least once a month, there seems to be a new case in the media depicting a veteran who has been convicted of a serious crime, such as drug trafficking, child pornography, theft, rape — even murder. In many of these cases, a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder is cited by the veteran’s attorney as the cause of the behavior.

So, can PTSD cause criminal behavior? Yes and no.

There’s no doubt that PTSD can cause a person to make bad choices that lead to anti-social behaviors. Increased use of alcohol or drugs can lead to driving while intoxicated, domestic violence or petty theft to support drug or alcohol use. Increased physiological arousal — always being “on guard” — can lead to violent behavior that is out of proportion to a perceived threat.

There are even cases in which combat veterans with PTSD were found not guilty of murder when they were put in a situation that reminded them of a previous stressful combat experience and they felt they were defending themselves against an enemy combatant.

But those are extreme cases, particularly the last one. In most instances, PTSD does not lead to criminal behavior. Much of what is reported on this issue in the media is a result of savvy lawyers conjuring up defenses for clients who likely would have committed the crime regardless of whether they had PTSD. Lawyers know that the averagejuror will have a great deal of sympathy for a veteran.

That view may sound unsympathetic or even cynical. Not so; I have a great deal of sympathy for the hundreds of thousands of veterans with PTSD, some of whom have run afoul of the law.

My issue is with the numerous bogus claims by individuals who insist that PTSD caused them to download child pornography, sexually assault a woman after a night at a bar or rob a convenience store. It’s insulting to those suffering from this disabling condition, and it feeds the stigma that combat veterans with PTSD are unstable, dangerous and crazy.

Let’s not make PTSD a scapegoat for crime. Instead, let’s direct our efforts at better understanding this disorder and improving treatments so veterans can lead more satisfying and rewarding lives.

Drop me a line and let me know what you think.

Bret A. Moore is a board-certified clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq. E-mail kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. Names and identifying details will be kept confidential. This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific psychological or medical guidance. Readers should see a mental health professional or physician for mental health problems.