JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- Defense attorneys try to arm themselves with the best possible defense. Former Penn State Assistant Football Coach Jerry Sandusky's went with an unusual one - histrionic personality disorder. But what exactly is it? We took that question to an expert.
"Histrionic personality disorder is having a pattern of needing to be excessively dramatic and needing to be in the center of attention," explained Psychologist Dr. Justin D'Arienzo.
Dr. D'Arienzo says a person with this disorder often thinks their relationships are intimate when they're actually shallow.
"The prevalence rate of this disorder is actually about one percent," he said.
He says this isn't something typically brought up in criminal cases. So is it enough to convince the jury Sandusky is innocent? Local defense Attorney Dale Carson says that diagnosis doesn't eliminate the fact that a crime may have been committed.
Action News Reporter Kristen Sell: "Does it sound to you like they were just grasping at straws here?"
Defense Attorney Dale Carson: "Absolutely you have to present some sort of defense and I think that's about the only thing they could do."
Even Dr D'Arienzo agrees. Valid disorder, yes. Valid defense, no.
"With a personality disorder judgment can be impacted but not necessarily impaired," he said.
Wednesday, the defense rested. Sandusky himself did not take the stand. Dale Carson says in this case - that was the right decision.
