NCJ Number
204036
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 59-64
Date Published
February 2004
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses a case report of a man that committed homicide during an episode of dissociative trance disorder (DTD).
Abstract
Possession can be defined as the experience of being taken over by an outside intelligent entity, usually a disincarnate entity. Possession has been recognized as a psychiatric condition and is a separated proposed diagnostic category known as DTD. The state of being possessed often gives a person the opportunity to integrate her or his function in cultural life, or has a specific role in a ritual, serving as a social binding factor. In this case, a person developed DTD in a cultural setting typical of Southern Italy and committed the homicide of a 6-month-old baby girl. The man had a histrionic-dependent personality disorder and experienced a series of dissociative episodes triggered by the intensely emotional suggestive environment. Rather than being irrational, his behavior was coherent with the role of a religious figure. Persons with dissociative identity disorder often have a history of abuse during childhood. This man reported being a victim of violence during childhood. He exhibited loss of the usual sense of identity, restriction of the field of consciousness, amnesia, the belief of being dominated by a spirit, and social isolation. The cultural environment was permeated by thoughts and beliefs in magic. During one trance state, the man performed an exorcism on the baby, and the baby died from cerebral hemorrhage. Although certain behavioral features overlapped those of a histrionic personality, it is considered inappropriate to classify this man’s behavior as an exaggerated form of emotivity. The diagnosis of DTD is the most fitting because it would explain his unusual and amnesic behaviors when possessed. It would also accord with the family’s expectations and cultural beliefs. In the 5-year follow-up, no other episode of DTD developed. The man is serving an 18-year sentence. 20 references