Epilepsy and criminal behavior (review of literature)
https://doi.org/10.31363/2313-7053-2025-1-934
Abstract
With epilepsy, behavioral disorders are possible, including criminal ones. Criminal incidents can occur in the preictal, interictal, ictal and postictal periods, and may be due to adverse events of anticonvulsants and other factors. The most dangerous postictal behavioral disorder, including in terms of criminal incidents, is postictal psychosis.
Often people with epilepsy need experienced neurologists and lawyers to resolve criminal situations. The International League Against Epilepsy recommends criteria for determining whether a particular criminal act committed by a patient with epilepsy is the result of an epileptic seizure.
In general, a forensically sound, comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of criminal behavior in epilepsy is required, which combines neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological and psychophysiological methods, taking into account risk factors and aggravating factors.
About the Authors
G. M. Musina
Voronezh State Medical University named after N.N. Burdenko;
Bashkir State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Gulisa M. Musina
Voronezh
K. V. Voronkova
Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov;
Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Kira V. Voronkova
Moscow
A. S. Petrukhin
Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Andrey S. Petrukhin
Moscow
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For citations:
Musina G.M., Voronkova K.V., Petrukhin A.S. Epilepsy and criminal behavior (review of literature). V.M. BEKHTEREV REVIEW OF PSYCHIATRY AND MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY. 2025;59(1):8-17. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31363/2313-7053-2025-1-934
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