Delusional disorder and criminal responsibility: A systematic review to help improve Iranian judicial perspectives

Abstract

Through a review of papers and study reports we researched different nations’ approaches and views on patients with delusional disorder and looked at the liability of criminals with this disorder, in hope of finding a more appropriate approach, revision of law and creating fairer law regarding these cases in our country. We used PRISMA standards to select related papers from the following databases: Web of Science, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, as well as SID and Irandoc (national databases). We found 10 cases of delusional disorder and folie à deux, whose process of the crime, geographical location and finally verdicts and sentences were clearly presented and discussed in the literature. Most societies have acquitted criminals with delusional disorder, based on an insanity verdict, and they are on parole or hospitalised for treatment. This could indicate a need for a more carefully diagnostic review and greater interaction between forensic psychiatrists and the courts in the Iranian judicial system.