ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 April 1979
Page Count: 6

Psychiatric and Neurological Characteristics of Murder Defendants Referred for Pretrial Evaluation
Finkenbine, RD
West Virginia University School of Medicine, West Virginia

Frierson, RF
University of South Carolina School of Medicine, South Carolina

(Received 13 March 1978; accepted 3 August 1978)

Abstract

After literature review, this paper presents the largest study to date (n = 270) of psychiatric and neurological characteristics of accused murderers in the United States. This retrospective record review of pretrial detainees undergoing competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility evaluations examined demographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnosis, substance use patterns, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and results of electroencephalogram (EEG), neuroimaging (MRI or CT) and neurological examination. Substance use and mood/adjustment disorders were common. Neuroimaging was abnormal in 18% of subjects and was associated with lower Performance IQ. EEG and neurological exam findings were not associated with measured cognitive impairment. While 16% of subjects had a FS IQ < 70, only 6% were diagnosed with mental retardation. Subjects with a psychotic disorder (p = 0.001) or an anxiety disorder (p = 0.005) were more likely to use a knife than other subjects in the study. Violence risk assessment in these patients must not only involve inquiry about firearm availability.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic psychiatry, insanity defense, magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, intelligence

Paper ID: JFS2003388
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003388
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