Sleep-related violence and sexual behavior in sleep: a systematic review of medical-legal case reports.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To review systematically medical-legal cases of sleep-related violence (SRV) and sexual behavior in sleep (SBS).

Search methods

We searched Pubmed and PsychINFO (from 1980 to 2012) with pre-specified terms. We also searched reference lists of relevant articles.

Selection criteria

Case reports in which a sleep disorder was purported as the defense during a criminal trial and in which information about the forensic evaluation of the defendant was provided.

Data extraction and analysis

Information about legal issues, defendant and victim characteristics, circumstantial factors, and forensic evaluation was extracted from each case. A qualitative-comparative assessment of cases was performed.

Results

Eighteen cases (9 SRV and 9 SBS) were included. T

SUBMITTER: Ingravallo F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4106950 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature