The Diagnostic Clue of "Hypercompetency"
MYRON H. MARSHALL M.D.1, and
H. L. P. RESNIK M.D.2
1 Silver Hill Foundation, Valley Rd., New Canaan, Conn. 06840
2 Associate professor, department of psychiatry, State University of New York
During an examination for competency to stand trial, the authors were impressed with a patient's "hypercompetency"—in this case, his extensive knowledge of the legal process. This observation, along with others, substantiated a diagnosis of paranoid personality. The authors give four criteria to assist in similar diagnostic situations.
