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Anxiety: When Benzo’s Attack

Did you Know? Anxiety disorders develop from risk factors such as genetics, brain chemistry life events and personality. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. Approximately 40 million adults age 18 and older, are affected each year. This equates to about 18.1% of the United States population. Anxiety disorders are Read More...

Fentanyl: An involuntary intoxication defense?

A strange occurrence at a Massachusetts hospital Articles by Forensic Magazine and New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Between 2012 to 2016, fourteen patients showed up at a Massachusetts hospital with a strange problem.  All 14 patients had developed amnesia and cognitive problems with orientation and attention.  In addition, they all had a strange lack Read More...

5 Things Criminal Authorities Should Know About… Psychosis

This month we have a guest author. Thank you to Eleanor Ruth for providing this newsletter/blog post for us!  Psychosis is a condition that distorts attunement with reality. Throughout the years, there have been many criminal cases involving this rather complex illness. Due to its nature as a mental condition, it can be difficult to Read More...

Benzodiazepines “Downers” {Mental Health/Toxicology}

Benzodiazepines, or “Benzos” are a class of drug that commonly pop up in the criminal cases that we review. These sedative “Downers” are commonly prescribed for a variety of maladies; knowledge about the side effects and normal levels is beneficial when they are a major, or even minor, component of a criminal case. Benzodiazepines affect 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...