Diagnosis of "unspecified psychotic disorder" in identifying criminal responsibility.
- Author:
Chang-Jian QIU
1
;
Yu-Peng LUO
;
Bo ZHANG
;
Ke-Jun HUO
;
Wei ZHANG
Author Information
1. Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Adult;
Criminals;
Female;
Forensic Psychiatry;
Humans;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis*;
Social Responsibility;
Young Adult
- From:
Journal of Forensic Medicine
2008;24(2):131-133
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:To explore diagnosis and management of "unspecified psychotic disorder" in determination of criminal responsibility.
METHODS:Analysis of 12 cases of "unspecified psychotic disorder" during determination of criminal responsibility in Sichuan Forensic Expertise Center in Southwest China from January 2006 to July 2007.
RESULTS:The main reason to diagnose unspecified psychotic disorder was there were insufficient information and findings . Descriptions of mental abnormalities were not complete and were atypical (83.3%). Even if "unspecified psychotic disorder" was diagnosed, it was still possible to determine criminal responsibility by its motivation and intention to escape. 75% suspects were determined to bear limited criminal responsibility and 25% were not criminally responsible.
CONCLUSION:The unspecified psychotic disorder is a provisional diagnosis. It should be used cautiously in the course of jurisdictional identification of mental diseases.