RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Sexsomnia as a Defense in Repeated Sex Crimes
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 78
OP 85
VO 46
IS 1
A1 Amir Mohebbi
A1 Brian J. Holoyda
A1 William J. Newman
YR 2018
UL http://jaapl.org/content/46/1/78.abstract
AB Sexsomnia and related sexual behaviors during sleep may be diagnosed in individuals accused of sex crimes. Although sexsomnia is now formally recognized in the DSM-5, the variable presentation of such behaviors and the possibility of malingering in medicolegal situations can cause challenges for forensic evaluators and legal professionals alike. Review of the literature reveals a paucity of cases involving allegations of repeated incidents due to abnormal sexual behaviors or experiences in sleep. It is important for experts involved in such cases to understand how the courts have responded to sexsomnia defenses involving diverse alleged incidents. The authors review the case law and discuss methods of examining evaluees with suspected sexsomnia in cases of alleged sexual assault.