NCJ Number
72164
Journal
QUADERNI DI CRIMINOLOGIA CLINICA Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1974) Pages: 171-186
Date Published
1974
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Encephalographic research is proving itself as a useful diagnostic tool for forensic psychiatrists, enabling them to distinguish between genuine and simulated mental disorders in connection with insanity defense pleas.
Abstract
Encephalographic dysrhythmia (i.e., a diffusely irregular brainwave tracing) is present in the electroencephalographic readings of individuals suffering from mental psychoses and degenerative brain diseases linked with criminal aggression. It appears that electroencephalographic anomalies cannot be simulated. Encephalographic research can help diagnose organic dementia, schizophrenia, manic-depressive symptoms, mental disorganization, paranoia, and epilepsy. Even in borderline cases the presence of encephalographic dysrhythmia can help reduce a defendant's criminal responsibility. Encephalographic research can also be applied in correctional institutions, where inmates suffering from dangerous psychoses must be detected and segregated from other prisoners, to prevent the latter from being exposed to inhumane harassment, as well as in the interests of designing realistic treatment and rehabilitation programs. --in Italian.