Psychiatric and neurological characteristics of murder defendants referred for pretrial evaluation

Author: Frierson RL / Finkenbine RD
Publication: Journal of Forensic Sciences
Topics: Criminology Law Enforcement Mental Health
Keywords: characteristics neurological pretrial psychiatric
Bibliographic information +

The authors examined the psychiatric and neurological characteristics of accused murderers in the US, reviewing retrospective records of 270 pretrial detainees undergoing competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility evaluations during the period 1995-2000. They found that substance use patterns and mood/adjustment disorders were common. Neuroimaging (MRI or CT) was abnormal in almost 1 in 5 of subjects and was associated with lower IQ. Subjects with a psychotic or anxiety disorder were more likely to use knife.