A groundbreaking analysis by forensic psychiatric specialist Dr. Myo Kyaw Oo reveals a direct correlation between early childhood trauma, systemic educational failures, and criminal behavior in Jamaica’s correctional system. With over twenty years of service in Jamaican prisons, Dr. Oo identifies a consistent pattern among inmates convicted of severe crimes: histories of familial instability, parental discord, abuse, neglect, and undiagnosed conduct disorders.
Dr. Oo emphasizes that the pathway to incarceration often begins before birth, with parental genetic dispositions, maternal stress during pregnancy, and prenatal exposure to violence significantly impacting fetal brain development. ‘Parental factors are tremendously important,’ he states. ‘If both parents exhibit personality disorders, the genetic predisposition may be compromised from the outset.’
The psychiatrist further highlights how adverse childhood experiences—including domestic violence, parental separation, and emotional neglect—create fertile ground for behavioral issues. Many inmates exhibited signs of conduct disorder from early school years but went undiagnosed due to inadequate systemic interventions. ‘Schools miss them. Parents miss them. Consequently, they never receive necessary counseling,’ Dr. Oo explains.
These unresolved childhood disorders frequently evolve into personality disorders in adulthood, characterized by an inability to conform to rules, lack of empathy, and impaired emotional regulation. Substance abuse, particularly early cannabis use, exacerbates these conditions, leading to worsened judgment and increased impulsivity.
Despite these findings, Dr. Oo clarifies that most serious crimes are committed by individuals without mental illness, noting that circumstances such as crimes of passion or failed self-defense also contribute to incarceration rates.
Positively, Dr. Oo acknowledges significant progress in Jamaica’s judicial approach, with increased utilization of forensic psychiatric assessments in sentencing for serious crimes including murder, rape, and armed robbery. This development reflects growing recognition of psychological factors in criminal behavior and represents a crucial step toward more rehabilitative justice practices.
The expert concludes that comprehensive, lifespan-focused assessments are essential for understanding criminal behavior, advocating for improved early intervention systems to prevent at-risk children from entering the correctional system.