[Diagnosis of "unspecified psychotic disorder" in identifying criminal responsibility].

OBJECTIVE

To explore diagnosis and management of "unspecified psychotic disorder" in determination of criminal responsibility.

METHODS

Analysis of 12 cases of "unspecified psychotic disorder" during determination of criminal responsibility in Sichuan Forensic Expertise Center in Southwest China from January 2006 to July 2007.

RESULTS

The main reason to diagnose unspecified psychotic disorder was there were insufficient information and findings . Descriptions of mental abnormalities were not complete and were atypical (83.3%). Even if "unspecified psychotic disorder" was diagnosed, it was still possible to determine criminal responsibility by its motivation and intention to escape. 75% suspects were determined to bear limited criminal responsibility and 25% were not criminally responsible.

CONCLUSION

The unspecified psychotic disorder is a provisional diagnosis. It should be used cautiously in the course of jurisdictional identification of mental diseases.