Lawyers for Jerry Sandusky have received approval to call an expert witness to testify that the former assistant football coach accused of sexually abusing 10 boys, is affected by "histrionic personality disorder." The defense motion indicates that the new testimony would show that Sandusky's letters to his accusers were not necessarily written to lure them into an inappropriate relationship, but to satisfy a need for approval. Dr. Glen Gabbard, a clinical professor of psychiatry, told The Associated Press that the diagnosis is characterized by highly emotional shifts from one state to another and the need to be the center of attention. "That diagnosis, if he has it, would be completely irrelevant to anything having to do with criminal responsibility for an act of pedophilia," Gabbard added. Earlier in the week, prosecutors presented the jury with letters and stories about young boys penned by Sandusky. Testimony is expected to resume Monday.
