Forensic psychologists need to be on top of their game at all times. Often, they will be dealing with suspects and convicts that may have some type of brain disorder or mental illness, and knowing as much as possible about these different disorders is vital if one is going to be able to provide an accurate evaluation. Knowing the information available about the brain disorders can help a forensic psychologist with many different aspects of his or her job.

The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation is an organization that has a deep commitment to alleviating the suffering that mental illness can cause. The Foundation is taking great strides with respect to research conducted by members of the organization to help find treatment for various conditions. They fund research by awarding grants. All of the donations that they receive each year are then put into the NARSAD Grants for researchers.

The researchers focus their efforts on improving the treatments and finding the causes of many different types of mental issues including bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, PTSD, and ADHD. By learning about and coming up with better treatments for these disorders, it’s possible to provide better levels of treatment and the right type of care for patients. With the right type of care, it could reduce the number of crimes committed by those who have mental disorders.

Many Americans Suffer with Brain Disorders

Mental disorders are unfortunately quite common in the United States and around the world. More than 26% of people in the United States over 18 years of age suffer from some type of mental disorder throughout any given year. This is an astounding number and means that about one out of every four adults in the country has gone through some type of mental disorder. One of the biggest issues that affect Americans is anxiety, and depression follows closely behind. These two disorders can take a great toll on a person’s mental well being.

Forensic psychologists should take great interest in the work being done through the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. The various mental disorders cause behavior changes and shifts within those who are suffering. Studying these disorders can make it much easier for the psychologist to recognize when a suspect might be suffering from something such as posttraumatic stress disorder. Simple things like these can make solving crimes and offering the right help to those who need it much easier.

Understanding that depression and anxiety are some of the top problems in the country can help forensic psychologists when they are trying to develop behavioral profiles for suspects. While it’s true that not all suspects are going to be suffering from a mental illness or disorder, knowing the facts about those disorders, as well as possible treatments, will be able to help the psychologist greatly.

As a forensic psychologist, you might find it advantageous to learn more about the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation as well as what they are doing in terms of research and treatment for those who have illnesses.

Please visit http://bbrfoundation.org/ for more information about The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.