![]() 28 Dissociative amnesia may result when detachment interferes with the encoding and storage of traumatic information. 21ĭetachment is thought to arise from intense fear or trauma and has been defined as an altered state of consciousness involving a disconnection from one's sense of self (depersonalization) or the external world (derealization). 23– 26 Although there is some empirical evidence of a distinction between pathologic and nonpathologic dissociation, 22, 27 there is ongoing controversy over its application to clinical diagnosis and classification. Pathologic dissociation has been viewed as a categorical phenomenon characteristic of individuals with dissociative disorder, 22 while nonpathologic dissociation has been conceptualized as a dimensional construct that may range from common daydreaming to severe dissociative disorders. Spitzer and colleagues 21 reviewed recent efforts to clarify the conceptualization of dissociation by distinguishing between types (pathologic versus nonpathologic dissociation) and related phenomena (detachment versus compartmentalization). These inconsistencies have, in part, resulted in confusion surrounding how dissociation is conceptualized. 20Ĭurrent psychiatric diagnostic systems differ in their definition of the term dissociation and in the classification of dissociative disorders. Dissociative amnesia, formerly termed psychogenic or functional amnesia, is a disorder characterized by the inability to remember important personal experiences and events after a traumatic experience of psychological origin. ![]() A dissociative state is an altered state of consciousness concurrent with a traumatic experience. ![]() While memory disturbances are often associated with organic brain disease, crime-related amnesia raises the question of dissociation, a term that refers to the disruption of normally integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. Memory impairment during the commission of crimes has also been reported by perpetrators of domestic violence 15– 19 and by sex offenders. 1– 14 Claims of amnesia have been reported in an estimated range of 10 to 70 percent of homicides. The forensic literature is replete with reports of offenders who have claimed total or partial amnesia for violent crimes, including murder or attempted murder. The development of a profile of aspects characteristic of crime-related amnesia would build toward establishing guidelines for the assessment of amnesia in legal contexts. Consideration of the presenting clinical features of crime-related amnesia may enable a fuller understanding of the different types of amnesia and assist clinicians in the medico-legal assessment and diagnosis of the claimed memory impairment. We review the theoretical, clinical, and legal perspectives on amnesia in relation to crime and present relevant cases that demonstrate several types of crime-related amnesia and their legal repercussions. However, the diagnosis of amnesia presents a challenge, as claims of memory impairment may stem from organic disease, dissociative amnesia, amnesia due to a psychotic episode, or malingered amnesia. Forensic psychiatrists and other mental health professionals are often required to provide expert testimony regarding amnesia in defendants. Amnesia for serious offenses has important legal implications, particularly regarding its relevance in the contexts of competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |