Sandusky evaluated for personality disorder, experts weigh in

Jerry Sandusky underwent a psychiatric evaluation over the weekend after defense attorneys said he may suffer from a condition called “histrionic personality disorder.”

During the first week of trial the prosecution brought forth love letters they said Sandusky sent to an alleged victim. His defense attorneys now say the reason for his strange behavior may be due to histrionic personality disorder. They even filed court papers asking permission to allow testimony about the condition. Experts 6 news talked with on Monday said they don’t think that defense will hold up.

“Individuals who have histrionic personality disorder, or endure histrionic personality disorder, often cannot stand not being the center of attention for others. They often seek it out,” said Dr. Theresa Kovacs, a psychologist for Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown. “They often don’t really have a deep range of emotions and [they’re] often very shallow”

Kovacs said the disorder doesn’t usually apply to the court of law.

“It’s not generally defense for most criminal cases,” said Kovacs. “You don’t see it in most cases that are involving any kind of abuse usually.”

6 News legal analyst attorney Robert Davis Gleason agreed.

“I haven’t heard it used in Cambria County,” said Gleason. “I don’t think it’s a legal defense to any type of crime.”

Gleason admitted disorders do play a huge part in any defense, giving an explanation as to why people act the way they do. But he said it’s an argument more appropriate for sentencing.

“It’s a sentence factor much more than a trial factor,” said Gleason. “I think it really puts out an offering to the jury to give some sort of logical explanation and I don’t think [this] is.”

Kovacs said the disorder is extremely rare. When it does occur she said women are four times more likely to be diagnosed than men.

As for the legal side, Gleason said he doesn’t think the defense has been able to show much of anything so far. He said arguing that Sandusky has a personality disorder might be the only way to sway the jury.