title: [Objective Assessment of Emotion Processing. Forensic Case Report].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The main objective of the emotions is to ensure the homeostasis, the survival and the well-being of the organism.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the usefulness of performing neurophysiological and neuropsychological assessments in patients, in order to demonstrate the significant role of the emotions in the execution of certain behaviours.
  
  
  METHODS
  A forensic psychiatric interview was conducted. EEG in vigil state was registered, the generators of current density to theta band were calculated, and the emotions recognition test was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of the psychiatric interview demonstrated that fear was an important element in acting impulsively, and lack of foresight of the accused. A substantial decrease was demonstrated in the ability to understand the scope of the acts and the direction of the behaviour during the time the crime occurred. The EEG showed alterations in frontal regions, and the generators of current density were located in frontal-temporal regions and occipital associative areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is recommended to associate these studies with the forensic psychiatric assessment, in order to increase the objectivity of the diagnoses formulated by medical experts.
authors.affiliation: Especialista en Primer y Segundo Grado en Fisiología Normal y Patológica (con dedicación a la Neurofisiología Clínica), Profesora Auxiliar, Instituto de Medicina Legal, La Habana, Cuba. Electronic address: anacalz@infomed.sld.cu.
authors.forename: Ana Calzada
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.affiliation: Especialista en Primer Grado en Psiquiatría, Instituto de Medicina Legal, La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: Ana Teresa
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez Manso
authors.affiliation: Especialista en Primer Grado en Psiquiatría, Instituto de Medicina Legal, La Habana, Cuba.
authors.forename: Mariloly Acosta
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: González
keywords: EEG; Emotion recognition; Fear; Miedo; Reconocimiento de expresiones; emocionales