title: Commentary: The Lucid Interval-Coping with Unscientific Terminology.
abstract: The authors agree with Shulman et al. in their assertion that the term "lucid interval" does not describe what is now known to occur in the fluctuating mental status of some demented individuals. Therefore, its use by the courts to determine competency in such persons can result in an unjust outcome. However, we believe such criticism as Shulman and his coauthors levied at the legal profession should be broadened to consider antiquated and nonscientific terminology in our own field of psychiatry.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Rodgers is Clinical Associate Professor, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Dr. Baird is Honorary Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, Glasgow, Scotland. carlarodgers@comcast.net.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodgers
authors.affiliation: Dr. Rodgers is Clinical Associate Professor, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Dr. Baird is Honorary Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Baird
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*