NEW YORK - Mexican drug lord Joaquin Guzman - better known as "El Chapo"- is set to be examined by a psychologist next week.

Guzman's defense attorney argued in a pre-trail hearing that the conditions of the drug lord's confinement in New York have taken a toll on his memory and mental state. A federal judge in Brooklyn agreed to an evaluation.

Lawyers say the solitary confinement is causing Guzman to forget names and places, and to suffer from hallucinations, paranoia and depression.

"If there are some issues that the psychologist determines are affecting him, I think that will be more of an issue to challenge once again the conditions under which he is held - unless they are severe enough that they affect his competency," said Eduardo Balarezo, Guzman's defense attorney.

Guzman was extradited to the U.S. from Mexico earlier this year after several prison escapes.

He's pleaded not guilty to a 17-count indictment. His trial is set for next April.