Archive 1992–2014

Crime in depressive states is rare and specific. Accountability depends on the severity of change and ranges from complete unaccountability (insanity) in psychotic states and severe depressions to complete accountability in cases of long-term, complete remission. Similar proceedings apply in civil law. If the depression is light, declarations of will and wills shall be accepted. Each case, however, must be treated individually. Reactive depressive syndromes may also develop after an act has been committed. Another issue which is discussed in this article is disability. Depressive disorders usually lead to only periodical incapacity to work and only very seldom to permanent or greatly diminished capacity to work.