Al Qaeda Suspect Aafia Siddiqi Diagnosed With Depressive Psychosis

By J.M. Berger
INTELWIRE.com

Al Qaeda suspect Aafia Siddiqui has been diagnosed with depressive psychosis, a disorder which has been used in the past in arguments over whether a defendant is competent to stand trial.

A court-appointed doctor evaluated Siddiqui as suffering from Axis I diagnosis of Depressive Type Psychosis.

During the initial interview, Siddiqui "reported depressed mood, anxiety and ruminative thoughts concerning her son's welfare; poor sleep; and moderate appetite," according to court documents.

During a second interview, Siddiqui "spoke through a blanket she had placed over her body, including her face," according to court records. "She politely reported that she did not wish to speak wth a psychiatrist or a psychologist. She also reported that she did not wish to be medically examined, stating, 'I'm fine; no one cares about me here.'"

9/3/2008: Letter to the court describing Aafia Siddiqui arrest and treatment in detention, injuries, strip-search issues

9/11/2008: Psychiatric Evaluation of Aafia Siddiqui

Depressive Type Psychosis can involve suicidal thoughts and behavior, confusion and delusions. The diagnosis has some history as a basis for a defendant to be declared unfit to stand trial. It is not immediately clear how much of a factor that will be for Siddiqui's defense team.

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