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Munchausen’s: Definition

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy was first described in 1951 by a British physician, but it was not until 1977 that the condition was labeled “Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy” by pediatrician Roy Meadow.  The syndrome was defined as, “a condition in which a parent or other caretaker persistently fabricates symptoms on behalf of another, causing that Read More...

Cluster C: Avoidant and Obsessive Compulsive

Avoidant Personality Disorder The symptoms of avoidant personality disorder are similar to social phobia except that in the personality disorder the avoidance is present in all social situations. Social phobia symptoms are usually more specific such as speaking or eating in public. Attorneys need to be aware when communicating with individuals who have avoidant personality Read More...

Personality Disorders: Defining “Cluster C”

Cluster C is a subset of personality disorders that includes avoidant, dependent and obsessive compulsive personality disorders. These disorders are characterized by anxious and fearful thinking and behavior. The following is fictional example of how an individual with a cluster C personality disorder may require the services of a criminal attorney. Mary was the beloved Read More...

Cluster B: Borderline, Histrionic and Narcissistic

John from our case study is a fictional example of a client who has an antisocial personality disorder, demonstrating a pattern of disregard for the rights of others. He meets the criteria of having a conduct disorder with onset before age 15. An individual must also meet three of the following criteria to be diagnosed Read More...

Personality Disorders: Defining “Cluster B”

Cluster B personality traits are dramatic, emotional and attention seeking. They include: Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The following is an example of how an individual with a cluster B personality disorder may require the services of a criminal attorney. John is a 25 year old construction Read More...

Personality Disorders: Legal Implications

The legal nurse advised the attorney that the best way to communicate with John was to be calm and matter of fact. She told the attorney that a warm and friendly approach would be likely to cause suspicion. She also advised the attorney to avoid joking and whispering in his presence. An assessment was done Read More...

Personality Disorder: Case Study

The following is a fictional case study about a client who is arrested and has been diagnosed with a personality disorder. As you read the case, think about what the diagnosis might be and the most effective way for the attorney to communicate with this client. Next week we will discuss further. John is a 40 Read More...

Clusters of Personality Disorders

The American Psychiatric Association organizes personality disorders by clusters. Cluster A is a category that describes individuals who are withdrawn and may engage in odd or eccentric behavior. The diagnoses include: Paranoid Personality Disorder An individual with this disorder suspects that others are exploiting, harming or deceiving him or her. They often suspect without justification Read More...

What is a personality disorder?

The American Psychiatric Association (2013) defines a personality disorder as an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of an individual’s culture. The personality traits are pervasive and inflexible. These individuals have difficulty with adaptation and relationships. Personality disorders usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood. They are stable Read More...

Seizures: 5 Things Every Criminal Attorney Should Know

1. Seizures also have a long list of causes, including: Seizure medication noncompliance Medications: Tricyclic Antidepressants, anticholinergics, lithium Brain conditions such as hydrocephalus, tumors, stroke (Can be delayed) Traumatic brain bleed (Can be delayed) Kidney Failure Strychnine – pesticide that can be mixed in with street drugs Other pesticides Electrolyte imbalance – especially sodium, potassium Read More...