[Post-arrest memory disorders. Results of a retrospective study]

A retrospective study on 362 criminal responsibility reports showed a high proportion of accused persons claiming amnesia for the offence. Subjects of the amnesic group were compared with a non-amnesic control group. Statistically significant relations were found between amnesia and sex, imprisonment, nature of the offence, exogenous factors and psychogenic disturbances. Results of this study and of other published studies confirm the problems in differentiating etiology of amnesia after criminal offences. Valid and reliable diagnostic techniques especially for detecting simulated amnesia are missed. Misconceptions about amnesia are still widespread among judges, lawyers and offenders. Because amnesia occurs after crime it is not necessary for assessing criminal responsibility.