Biochemical Influnces

1. There are many possible biochemical influnces that can effect our behavior. It is believed that if such factors could inhibit our ability to make good judgements or interfere with our ability to control impulses then it may lead to a criminal act.
   Listed below are some possble biochemical factors that might influnce decision making processes or emotional controls.
   • Hypoglycemia - this is a drop in blood sugar. It can result in impaired thinking processes and in some cases increased agitation and agressive behavior.
   • Substance Abuse -ingesting mood altering chemicals can impair both impulse controls and cognitive functioning. The results can be criminal behavior that otherwise would not have occured.
   • Food Alergies- individual reactions to certian foods can create unusual mood patterns including irritability, aggresive behavior, depression.
   • Diet and Fatigue- Lack of nutrients or the lack of sleep can also affect one's ability to make decisions leading to poor judgments and a criminal act.

2. It should be remenbered that the cause and effect relationship considered is very indirect it is not suggested that criminal behavior is a direct result of these conditions.