Crime and multiple personality disorder: a case history and discussion.
I. N. Perr,
Bull. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry & the Law
19(2): 203-14, 1991.
The application of the concept of multiple personality disorder (MPD) is one of the most complex
and controversial issues facing forensic psychiatrists. The case presented is one in which a diagnosis
of multiple personality disorder is not only well documented, but was so diagnosed at least 10 years
before the ultimate homicide. Nonetheless, consideration of the legal issues was difficult. Other
cases, particularly the Bianchi case, reflect the clinical difficulties in diagnosis. Subsequent cases
have reflected a judicial review of the issues and a trend to disallow the concept of MPD as a
defense; the author suggests that forensic psychiatrists incorporate these opinions in their future
judgments.