Truth drug
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A truth drug (or truth serum) is a psychoactive medication used to obtain information from subjects who are unable or unwilling to provide it otherwise. The unethical use of truth drugs is classified as a form of torture according to international law [1] However, they are properly and productively utilized in the evaluation of psychotic patients in the practice of psychiatry [2]. That application was first documented by Dr. William Bleckwenn in 1930 [3], and it still has selected uses today. In the latter context, the controlled administration of intravenous hypnotic medications is called "narcosynthesis" or "narcoanalysis." It may be used to procure diagnostically- or therapeutically- vital information, and to provide patients with a functional respite from catatonia or mania [4] [5].
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[edit] Active chemical substances
Sedatives or hypnotics that alter higher cognitive function include ethanol, scopolamine, 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate, temazepam, and various barbiturates including sodium thiopental (commonly known as sodium pentothal) and sodium amytal (amobarbital) (see figure at right) [6].
[edit] Alleged improper historical applications
A defector from the biological weapons department of the Soviet secret police (KGB) claimed that a truth drug code-named SP-17 was highly effective and that it was used to interrogate detainees in the former Soviet Union. [7] Allegedly, India's Central Bureau of Investigation has also used intravenous barbiturates for interrogation. [8]
[edit] Reliability
According to prevailing medical thought, information obtained under the influence of intravenously-administered sodium amytal can be unreliable; subjects may mix fact and fantasy in that context [9]. Skeptics imply that much of the claimed effect of the drug relies on the belief of the subject that he or she cannot tell a lie while under its influence [10] [11]. Some observers also feel that amobarbital does not increase truth-telling, but merely increases talking; hence, both truth and fabrication are more likely to be revealed in that construct [12].
[edit] See also
[edit] Further reading
- Brown, David. "Some Believe 'Truth Serums' Will Come Back", The Washington Post, Monday 20 November 2006; page A08.
[edit] References
- ^ Brugger W: May governments ever use torture? Am J Compar Law 2000; 48: 661-678.
- ^ Naples M, Hackett TP: The amytal interview: history and current uses. Psychosomatics 1978; 19: 98-105.
- ^ Bleckwenn WJ: Sodium amytal in certain nervous and mental conditions. Wis Med J 1930; 29: 693-696.
- ^ Tollefson GD: The amobarbital interview in the differential diagnosis of catatonia. Psychosomatics 1982; 23: 437-438.
- ^ Bleckwenn WJ: Production of sleep and rest in psychotic cases. Arch Neurol Psychiatry 1930; 24: 365-375.
- ^ Anonymous: Barbiturates. http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/A-Ce/Barbiturates.html, Accessed 9-21-2009.
- ^ Alexander Kouzminov Biological Espionage: Special Operations of the Soviet and Russian Foreign Intelligence Services in the West, Greenhill Books, 2006, ISBN 1-853-67646-2 [1].
- ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/3661948/Mumbai-attacks-Militant-kept-in-underwear-to-prevent-suicide.html
- ^ Op cit., Ref. 2
- ^ Redlich FC, Ravitz LJ, Dession GH: Narcoanalysis and truth. Am J Psychiatry 1951; 107: 586-593.
- ^ Mann J: The use of sodium amobarbital in psychiatry. Ohio State Med J 1969; 65: 700-702.
- ^ Piper A Jr: 'Truth serum' and 'recovered memories' of sexual abuse: a review of the evidence. J Psychiatry & Law 1993: 3: 447-471.
