RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 <em>Folie</em> à <em>Deux</em> and the Courts
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 369
OP 375
VO 38
IS 3
A1 Newman, William J.
A1 Harbit, Melissa A.
YR 2010
UL http://jaapl.org/content/38/3/369.abstract
AB Folie à deux is a condition that presents distinct challenges in the legal system. The authors searched the LexisNexis database for cases involving folie à deux and provide a review of criminal and civil case law involving individuals with the diagnosis. The case surrounding Elizabeth Smart's abduction from her Utah home is highlighted. Folie à deux is a formally recognized mental disorder, although it is intrinsically different from most other primary psychiatric conditions. It can cause considerable confusion among mental health experts and legal professionals alike. It is difficult to make a reliable diagnosis of a condition that is, to date, not well validated. The authors discuss possible directions for future research and suggest methods for examining evaluees with suspected folie à deux.