Report: Sandusky undergoes psych test as defense looms - abc27 WHTM

As Jerry Sandusky's child sex abuse trial in Bellefonte enters its third week, there are new developments before the defense takes over Monday.  According to national news reports, Sandusky was examined by a psychiatrist over the weekend.

CNN reported the 68-year-old defendant had a mental health evaluation on Sunday. The report claims the prosecution ordered the examination after Judge John Cleland ruled the defense could have an expert testify that Sandusky suffers from Histrionic Personality Disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association defines the condition as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriately seductive behavior, usually beginning in early adulthood. These individuals are lively, dramatic, vivacious, enthusiastic, and flirtatious, according to the definition.

Legal experts believe this may be a strategy used by the defense to explain some of Sandusky's behavior and combat emotional testimony from the alleged victims.

The prosecution is expected to finish its case Monday morning. The defense will then proceed with its side of the story.

Several big names are on the defense's potential witness list including Dottie Sandusky, several members of the Paterno family, and the defendant himself.

It's unclear if Sandusky will take the stand.  His attorney, Joe Amendola, seemed to indicate that he might during his opening statement to the jury.