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Abstract: His qualities as a clinician and the publication in 1909 of his book, written with his mentor Paul Sérieux, “Reasoning madnesses. Misinterpretative delusional states”, brought Joseph Capgras considerable fame and in the 1930s his ward in Sainte-Anne Hospital in Paris was particularly sought after (one of his residents was Henri Ellenberger who regarded him as his favourite teacher). Howewer, if the name of Capgras is known all over the world, it is because of his description in 1923 of the “syndrome d’illusion des sosies” which now bears his name. Although the isolation of the “Capgras''s syndrome” can be understood according to the initial model represented by the “Misinterpretative delusional states”, Capgras attached far more importance to psychogenesis and phenomena which were, in his opinion, neurologically defective in appearance only. An honourable man in his time, enemy of all dogmatism, Joseph Capgras published many papers on erotomania and showed himself to be a determined adversary of the ideas defended by his famous colleague Clérambault. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Psychological handicap has become a widespread concept in France after the passing in 2005 of the law 2005-102 “for equal opportunity, participation and citizenship of handicapped people”. A short analysis of French laws and regulations shows that since 1956 French policy about handicap was based on the definition of different target populations, each one being characterised by a specific type of impairment. The new definition included in law 2005-102 is based upon the basic concepts of the International Classification of Functioning. It precludes any definition of target population, much less if based upon specific impairments. The purpose of this paper is to show why in this context, the notion of psychological handicap was the best way to obtain official monies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The “expertise” required by article L. 3213.8 of the Code of Public Health is exceptional within the statute of “compulsory hospitalization” (Police-instructed compulsory hospitalisation in France corresponds to the juridical or court-ordered hospitalisation in Anglo-Saxon law). This paper proposes a critical analysis of this “expertise” and of the ensuing situation of pathological criminals based on an extended practice of expertise and taking into consideration the recent evolution of the concept of dangerousness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Paris area is a complex urban area where 12 million people are living. This complexity is also encountered by the parents of children or the adults with autism or others Pervasive Developmental Disorders. More specifically it could be difficult for them to get a diagnosis or to find the right way to get measures really appropriate to their situations. To help them a specific structure called “Centre de Ressources Autisme Île-de-France” (CRAIF, Center for Resources in Autism, Paris Area) was created in 2004. Several professionals (librarian, social worker, psychologist, doctor, management secretary and manager) try to give information or advice in various manners (phone, mail, e-mail, visiting…) to the people (families or professionals) searching help. In this paper we report the various missions of this institution and the way its professionals try to answer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]