CLINICAL AND EEG (ELECTROENCEPHOLAGRAM) STUDIES OF PRISONERS CHARGED WITH MURDER

• NCJ Number: 57071
• Journal: British Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 122 Issue: 571 Dated: (JUNE 1973) Pages: 583-587
• Author(s): M V DRIVER; M FAULK
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: Headley Bros Ltd
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

THE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG) READINGS OF 150 MALES CHARGED WITH MURDER AND HELD IN CUSTODY WHILE AWAITING TRIAL ARE ANALYZED.

Abstract

THE SUBJECTS WERE EXAMINED AT A BRITISH HOSPITAL DURING THE PERIOD 1964 TO 1969. THE EEG READINGS OF THE 97 WHO WERE SUBSEQUENTLY BROUGHT TO TRIAL ON MURDER CHARGES ARE COMPARED WITH THE READINGS OF THE 53 WHO EVENTUALLY CAME TO TRIAL ON LESSER CHARGES AND WITH READINGS FOR 20 CONTROLS (HOSPITAL STAFF MEMBERS). THE INCIDENCE OF EEG ABNORMALITIES IS APPROXIMATELY EQUAL IN EXPERIMENTAL SUBJECTS AND CONTROLS (ABOUT 10 PERCENT). TWO-THIRDS OF THE SUBJECTS WERE FOUND GUILTY OF EITHER MURDER OR MANSLAUGHTER. WHILE THE INCIDENCE OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDER AMONG THESE SUBJECTS IS RELATIVELY HIGH (40 PERCENT), THAT OF EEG ABNORMALITY (6 PERCENT) IS LOW AND NOT OF SIGNIFICANCE. TOGETHER WITH A REVIEW OF OTHER STUDIES PERTAINING TO EEG'S AND CRIMINALITY, THE FINDINGS INDICATE THAT THERE IS NO REASON TO INCLUDE ROUTINE EEG EXAMINATIONS IN PRETRIAL ASSESSMENTS OF DEFENDANTS CHARGED WITH MURDER. SUPPORTING DATA AND A LIST OF REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (LKM)