CACI 4001 Mental Disorder Explained

California Civil Jury Instructions CACI

4001 “Mental Disorder” Explained


The term “mental disorder” is limited to those disorders described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. This book is sometimes referred to as “the DSM [current edition, e.g., “IV”].”


Directions for Use

This instruction is not intended for cases proceeding on a theory of impairment by chronic alcoholism only.


Sources and Authority

“The term ‘mental disorder’ is limited to those disorders listed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Cal. Admin. Code, tit. 9, § 813).” (Conservatorship of Chambers (1977) 71 Cal.App.3d 277, 282, fn. 5 [139 Cal.Rptr. 357].) “Although this [administrative] regulation has since been repealed, the practice has been to continue using the same definition.” (California Conservatorship Practice (Cont.Ed.Bar) § 23.11.)


Secondary Sources

3 Witkin, California Procedure (5th ed. 2008) Actions, § 97
2 California Conservatorship Practice (Cont.Ed.Bar) § 23.11
32 California Forms of Pleading and Practice, Ch. 361A, Mental Health and Mental Disabilities: Judicial Commitment, Health Services, and Civil Rights, § 361A.33 (Matthew Bender)