Schizophrenia Case Summary

Schizophrenia is a chronic DSM- IV axis diagnosis, where the diagnosed is “out of touch” with reality and exhibit bizarre behaviors in relation to the condition. As described in the scenario, paranoia is a common attribute of the condition; triggered by the absence of or ineffective medication therapy or stress.

As a juror assigned to review a case where a schizophrenic was accused of a violent crime while in a state of psychosis, I would be compelled to find his not “criminally responsible” for the crime. It would be important for me to review the details of the case, including any relevant medical records to confirm the diagnosis as well as treatment options offered to the defendant prior to the incident. To the contrary of popular belief, those with mental illness are not inheritably violent and malice is rarely the intent when violence is demonstrated. In my experience, individuals that present with psychosis are exhibiting a “real” fear of an experience, despite no actual potential of it occurring. The scenario describes the defendant believed that the CIA was attempting to abduct him, a fact that a rational person would not see as a threat, however the fear to him/

Again, treatment options offered prior to the incident would remain crucial and treatment (medication, psychotherapy) would be recommended in lieu of jail time. This case aside, I believe that this case scenario is a wonderful demonstration of the break in our mental health system, many times failing the mentally ill (those most vulnerable to violence themselves). The recent closure of long-term mental health facilities, especially in New York State, has both released and limited the options for many mentally ill individuals. Unfortunately, many mentally ill persons are incarcerated due to inappropriate societal or “bad” behavior is does a disservice and hinders their