Psychiatric and clinical sequelaeof delirium and competenceto stand trial.
We present the case of a middle-aged defendant who had been incarcerated in a county jail and housed on the mental health unit. It was documented that he had been exhibiting fluctuating levels of alertness and responsiveness. The writers saw him in a forensic capacity, to conduct an evaluation of his competence to stand trial, and recognized that he was having a medical emergency, delirium that was most likely due to brain metastases from inoperable advanced cancer. We recommended an immediate transfer to a medical facility for treatment. The article serves to present an interesting case and to highlight the need for clinical vigilance despite the usual goal of an objective, noninterfering forensic role.
Salem
Anasuya
A
University Correctional Health Care, Northern State Prison, Newark, NJ 07114, USA. dranasalem@yahoo.com
Leonard
Cecilia
C
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence