[Chemical submission]

Abstract

Introduction: The clinical submission syndrome is well known by the general population, but too frequently ignored by physicians.

Observation: A 23 year-old woman was drugged by a third person wishing to sexually abuse of her. The diagnosis was proved biologically after the judicial enquiry.

Comments: The diagnosis of clinical submission is difficult to make because of the frequent delays in emergency consultations and the difficulties in biological assays, since the doses of drugs administered are often very low and infra-therapeutic. Over a period of one year, we evoked the diagnosis four times and it was confirmed only once. It sometimes leads to diagnostic peregrinations. Close cooperation between the physicians and the police is required so that a judicial enquiry can be rapidly set-up.