ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 January 1981
Page Count: 6

Stimuli Triggering Violence in Psychoses
Pontius, AA
Assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Mass.

(Received 31 March 1980; accepted 16 May 1980)

Abstract

Various behavioral and neurophysiological models are suggested to objectify and quantify the defense of insanity and to assess dangerousness in someone who is being considered for release from custody. Two cases are presented that show a pattern of specific relationships between traumatic experiences in youth and a later trigger stimulus that releases homicidal action. Until a refined classification system and neurophysiological understanding of sudden aggression can be achieved, forensic psychiatrists should be aware of the psychotic trigger reaction within a clinical psychiatric model.

Keywords:
psychiatry, human behavior, violence

Paper ID: JFS11337J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11337J
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