EEG ABNORMALITIES AS A CORRELATE OF BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENT MALE DELINQUENTS

The incidence of abnormal EEGs among 150 adolescent male delinquents confined in a correctional institution was studied, and an attempt was made to correlate the abnormal tracings with deviant delinquent behavior. Little such correlation was evident, and no increased incidence of EEG abnormality was noted. It is suggested that an undue emphasis has been placed on the role of such pathology in general delinquent behavior. The increased evidence of EEG abnormality among a group specifically referred for EEG indicated that it is apparently possible to select such cases on the basis of aberrant clinical behavior or unusual history. The specifics of such selection remain vague, however, and would seem to warrant further investigation. The psychiatric evaluation in an institutional setting was noted to be a significant area for the further elaboration and clarification of these findings.