Citation

Raifman LJ. Behav. Sci. Law 1983; 1(3): 115-130.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1983, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/bsl.2370010311

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Serious problems with the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) render it vulnerable to legal challenge and subject to abuse. Problems in legal causation are outlined and include the issues of prior susceptibility, identification of the stressor, symptom assessment, intervening factors, and criminal responsibility. Trial courts continue to question the admissibility of PTSD expert witness testimony. To ensure the continuing validity of PTSD, its use should be limited, and expert witness testimony increasingly supported by empirically based research data.

Language: en