Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Criminal Justice and Forensic Mental Health Considerations

The gut-brain axis is the communication network that links cognitive and emotional processing of the brain to the body’s gastrointestinal functions. The bedrock of this axis is bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. The gut-brain axis plays a critical role in food intake, metabolism, insulin levels, perceptions of satiety, and mood to name a few. The functioning of the gut-brain axis can be influenced by diet, sleep quality, environmental toxins, social surroundings, and the experience of stress among other factors. Emerging research is also finding that gut-brain axis dysfunction may have significant implications for problematic, concerning, and antisocial behaviors. Designed for professionals working in criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings, this training provides attendees with a working understanding of the causes, consequences, and interventions associated with gut-brain axis dysfunction among criminal justice and forensic mental health-based populations. Other topics discussed in this training include neurocriminology, emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviors, anger, aggression, and violence, substance use disorders, mental health conditions, hormonal dysfunction, prenatal and postnatal trauma, other life adversities, central nervous system dysfunction, allostatic load, biological despair, HPA axis dysregulation, inflammation, and sleep disturbances. A primary goal of this training is to learn why criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals should become gut-brain axis informed. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 200 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.