For diagnosis of insanity, maximum limit
of observation?
a) 5 days
b) 10 days
c) 30 days
d) 50 days
Correct Answer - C
Ans. C. i.e., 30 days
Insanity is characterized by certain abnormal mental and behavioral
patterns. Simply insane means unsound mind, i.e. insane is the
person which has unsound mind. Conversely sanity means sound
mind (compos mentis).
Lucid interval is the period of sanity (sound mind) in an insane
person, i.e. period in course of mental illness when there is complete
cessation of manifestations of insanity. During this period he is quite
normal and can make valid will, sell/purchase property, give valid
evidence and is legally responsible for his deeds.
Before making a diagnosis of insanity, the patient may be kept under
observation in mental hospital or general hospital/nursing home.
Patient is kept under observation for 10 days, which can be
extended upto maximum 30 days.
Two doctors (at least one being a government doctor) should
examine the patient separately without consulting each other for at
least three examinations