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PMS, psychosis and culpability: sound or misguided defense?
1The New York Presbyterian Hospital, Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic, New York, USA.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|October 2, 2002
Summary
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects many women, with a rare subset experiencing psychosis. This review examines premenstrual psychosis in medical and legal contexts, including its use in criminal defenses.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Medical Law
Background:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) impacts up to 90% of women of reproductive age.
- A small subset of women experience severe premenstrual psychosis.
- PMS has been cited in legal defenses for criminal acts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medical literature on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
- To focus specifically on premenstrual psychosis.
- To investigate legal cases involving premenstrual psychosis defenses.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of medical literature on PMS and premenstrual psychosis.
- Analysis of legal case law where premenstrual psychosis was a defense.
- Synthesis of findings from both medical and legal sources.
Main Results:
- Premenstrual psychosis is a recognized but rare condition.
- The PMS defense has had limited success in US courts.
- It has been a factor in diminished capacity defenses in Great Britain.
Conclusions:
- Premenstrual psychosis presents complex medical and legal challenges.
- Further research is needed to understand its impact on criminal responsibility.
- Legal systems are beginning to consider PMS in specific criminal cases.