Biochemical

Cards (14)

  • Overproduction or underproduction of sex hormones can cause emotional disturbances which could lead to criminal behaviour.
  • Males of most species are more aggressive and this could be put down to testosterone.
  • Ellis and Coontz claim that testosterone levels peak from puberty to early 20s and 30s.
  • The age range of peak testosterone levels also correlates with male offending rates.
  • Premenstrual tension, postnatal depression and lactation have been accepted as partial differences from women charged with crimes.
  • Low blood sugar can trigger aggressive action.
  • Alcohol is linked to crimes of violence.
  • There is a link between hypoglycemia and alcohol abuse.
  • Schoenthaler claims that by reducing the daily sucrose intake of young offenders it will reduce their antisocial behaviour.
  • Substance abuse, particularly alcohol, plays a significant role in about 1000 arrests per day, according to Saunders.
  • In the USA, Flanzer estimated that 80% of family violence involved alcohol or cocaine, which is also closely linked with violence, while cannabis, heroin and MDMA tend to reduce aggression.
  • Food additives and diet allergens, vitamins deficiencies can all affect biochemical processes in the body.
  • Lead and the synthetic food colouring tartrazine have both been linked with hyperactivity.
  • Vitamin B deficiencies have been linked to erratic and aggressive behaviour.