1/3. Pathological intoxication and alcohol idiosyncratic intoxication--Part II: Legal aspects.The law does not generally allow alcohol intoxication as a defense in a criminal matter. Among the exceptions may be pathological intoxication, or PI, or its current psychiatric correlate, alcohol idiosyncratic intoxication (AII). Because of the lack of specificity in the medical concept and the varying approaches by different authors, careful analysis and adherence to current standards are necessary. Relevant laws, particularly that of the model penal code, are reviewed, as are three cases which demonstrate the issues involved. Actual testimony is presented to illustrate possible misuse or inappropriate use of the concept.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = intoxication (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/3. Pathological intoxication--is there such an entity?Pathological intoxication appears as a diagnostic term in DSM-II and DSM-III, is defined in a psychiatric dictionary and is described in several textbooks. Still, is there really such an entity? Is the small amount of alcohol inbibed incidental rather than causal? It should be borne in mind that alcohol is the popular explain-all of our culture and as such is used as an excuse for everything from sexual indiscretions to well-planned "impulsive" acts. It is likely--and evidence is presented for this conclusion--that so-called cases of pathological intoxication are really dissociative reactions. The existence of pathological intoxication as an entity must remain in doubt unless the disorder can be reproduced under controlled conditions.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.63636363636364keywords = intoxication (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/3. The diagnosis of pathological intoxication.Subjects with a history of violent or psychotic behavior while under the influence of alcohol were infused with a 25% alcohol solution. Based on electroencephalograms, blood alcohol concentrations and behavioral observations, the results confirm the probable existence of a discrete syndrome of pathological reaction to alcohol without reference to the amount of alcohol consumed.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.36363636363636keywords = intoxication (Clic here for more details about this article) |