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Catathymic Violence, Dissociation, and Adoption Pathology: Implications for the Mental Status Defense

Merrick, NY, and Woodbury, NY, 215 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, New York 11566, U.S.A.

Linda Nagel

Department of Pediatrics, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, 622 West 168 Street-BH 603 North, New York, New York 10032, U.S.A.

This article describes the possible etiology of sudden, uncharacteristic violence in adoptees. A "cumulative trauma " is identified that mayfoster unrealisticfantasies of the birth parents and lead to dissociation ofparts of the self including ragefulfeelings toward adoptive and birth parents. Real or perceived rejection may trigger emergence of this rage, with sometimes murderous results. Implications for the mental status defense are described.

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