In a defense exhibit, psychologist L. Thomas Kucharski, chairman of the Department of Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, concluded that Siddiqui suffers from delusional disorder and is depressed.

He said her delusions 'include the belief that the court is part of a conspiracy to have her killed, tortured and/or have her witness the torture of her children.' He added: 'She believes that the outcome of her trial is predetermined; that she will get the death penalty and has stated to this evaluator that there is no need to go to trial or work with her attorneys in her defence because of this predetermination.'

Gregory B. Saathoff, an associate professor in psychiatric medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, said delusions Siddiqui had had involving flying infants, dark angels, a dog in her cell and children visiting her in her room were largely resolved after she believed she was found incompetent to stand trial.

Sally C. Johnson, a professor in the psychiatry department at the University of North Carolina, wrote in a March 16 report that Siddiqui's medical problems have been treated and stabilized.

Ms Johnson said Siddiqui has given vague accounts of her whereabouts from 2003 to 2008, saying she was given shelter by different people.

Ms Johnson cited reports that Siddiqui had taken actions to try to escape from custody before she was transferred to the United States and recommended that adequate care be taken to protect Siddiqui. -- AP