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Rodre S, Sturup J, Masterman T. Crime-scene and offender characteristics in conventional and nonconventional stranger homicides committed by male offenders in Sweden. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2024:258024241255779. [PMID: 38801655 DOI: 10.1177/00258024241255779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In Sweden, from 1990 to 2013, most homicides occurred between family members, friends or acquaintances: the annual rate of incidents between unacquainted offenders and victims ranged between 8% and 13%. In the majority of these "stranger homicides," three common motives, as defined by the precipitating event, could be identified: homicides resulting from a spontaneous altercation; homicides committed in the context of a robbery or burglary; and homicides committed in the context of a gangland conflict. The remaining minority-with uncommon or indiscernible motives-could, nonetheless, be categorized according to their nonconventional distinguishing feature: homicides characterized by the offender's ostensibly mentally aberrant behavior; homicides committed in the context of a hate offense or politically motivated offense; homicides committed in the context of a sexual offense; and homicides committed in the context of a mass killing or series of homicides. In this registry-based study of 224 incidents, "conventional" stranger homicides, defined by their commonplace motive, were compared with "nonconventional" stranger homicides, defined by their lack of such motive. The former were more often committed with an accomplice, against a male victim, whereas the latter were more often committed in a public place, after contact initiated by the offender. In the latter, offenders were less often intoxicated at the time of the offense and more often adjudged to suffer from a severe mental disorder. The subcategory of nonconventional stranger homicides characterized by the offender's ostensibly mentally aberrant behavior corresponded largely to both the archetypal stranger-homicide construct and the popular notion "act of madness."
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rodre
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Joakim Sturup
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Swedish Police Authority, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Masterman
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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He Y, Gu Y, Yu M, Li Y, Li G, Hu Z. Research on interpersonal violence in schizophrenia: based on different victim types. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:172. [PMID: 35260126 PMCID: PMC8903153 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03820-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is one of the most common severe mental disorders associated with an increased risk of violence. The present study compares the demographical, clinical, and criminological characteristics of the patients with schizophrenia who committed different types of violence to relatives, acquaintances, or strangers. METHOD Archives of the violent offenders with schizophrenia referred to forensic psychiatric assessments from January 2015 to December 2019 in the West China Forensic Medicine Assessment Center in China were analyzed. The demographic information, mental illness history, and criminological characteristics of the offenders were collected. The clinical symptoms, previous violent behaviors, and social deficits were also evaluated. One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis were enrolled to do the statistical analysis. RESULTS The study enrolled 332 cases: 165 cases (49.7%) in the acquaintance victim group (AV), 96 cases (28.9%) in the relative victim group (RV), and 71 cases (21.4%) in the stranger victim group (SV). The multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that older patients were less likely to attack relatives (OR = 0.966, 95% CI = 0.944-0.990; p = 0.005), and strangers, (OR = 0.971, 95% CI = 0.944-0.998; p = 0.034). Patients who lived with others were more inclined to attack relatives (OR = 15.057, 95% CI = 3.508-64.628; p < 0.001). Additionally, employed patients were more likely to attack strangers (OR = 2.034, 95% CI = 1.036-3.994; p = 0.039). The regression equation did not include psychiatric symptoms. For RV and AV victims, the risk of death was higher compared to that of SV victims (OR = 13.778, p < 0.001; OR = 2.663, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION In the interpersonal violence cases committed by schizophrenia patients, the victim type correlates with demographic characteristics of offenders such as living situation, age, and employment status, but not with the psychiatric symptoms. The majority of victims were acquaintances and relatives, and the relative victims having more severe injuries. In order to decrease interpersonal violence, especially violent crimes, more people, especially family members and neighbors, should be educated about symptoms of schizophrenia, the ways to communicate with the patients, and the methods for crisis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong He
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Forensic Psychiatry, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Gu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Forensic Psychiatry, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Meiling Yu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Forensic Psychiatry, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Forensic Psychiatry, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Gangqin Li
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
| | - Zeqing Hu
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Sichuan, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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Ojansuu I, Lähteenvuo M, Tiihonen J, Lehti M, Putkonen H. Psychosis and the Risk of Stranger Homicides. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2022; 3:sgac021. [PMID: 39144790 PMCID: PMC11206035 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgac021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Psychosis increases the risk of committing homicide, but it remains unclear whether it also affects victim selection. Individual cases of stranger homicide elicit a lot of public attention and outrage, even though evidence of their incidence is scarce. Methods Forensic psychiatric reports of 389 patients who had committed homicide in Finland during 1980-2014 were examined to determine the relationship between the offender and the victim. The stranger homicide incidence derived from perpetrators with psychosis was compared to a comparative incidence derived from a group of perpetrators without psychosis (other mental disorders were not excluded) over the time frame 2003-2014. Stranger homicide incidence rates were calculated using Finnish population averages of the study years, assuming a Poisson distribution and reported as per 100 000 person-years among potential victims in the Finnish general population. Results Three hundred and eighty nine patients with psychosis had committed 414 homicides, with 40 complete stranger victims and 15 victims known for less than 24 h. Complete stranger homicide incidence committed by individuals with psychosis was 0.022 per 100 000 person-years and 0.13 for individuals without psychosis. When also including victims known for < 24 h, the incidence was 0.031 for individuals with psychosis and 0.28 for individuals without psychosis per 100 000 person-years. Discussion Nine out of ten stranger homicides are committed by individuals without psychosis. However, on the basis of a 3.1% prevalence of psychotic disorders in Finland, individuals with psychosis have about a 3- to 5-fold risk of committing stranger homicides as compared to individuals without psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilkka Ojansuu
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Markku Lähteenvuo
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Martti Lehti
- Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Putkonen
- Addiction Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The contribution of people with psychosis to homicide statistics is small, but there is a statistically significantly higher rate of homicide among them than in the general population. Legal authorities and the wider public call for more information. Our aim was a narrative synthesis of empirical literature generated by systematic searches for the five complete years 2013-2017. RECENT FINDINGS One article showed that people with psychosis are five times more likely to be homicide victims than those without, but focus remains on perpetrators. Consensus is that although psychotic symptoms contribute to homicidal acts, so do many of the variables that increase homicide risk more generally - including substance use, trauma histories and access to weapons; thus, both the epidemiology of homicide and some details, like method, may be country specific. In 2013-2017, variation in service provision as a risk factor for homicide has emerged more clearly but, overall, research made few homicide-specific advances. SUMMARY Criminal homicide is, fortunately, uncommon in most countries. Homicides by people with psychosis are so rare that they do not rate mention in the 2013 United Nations Global Survey of Homicide. This may account for the limitations to much research for this group. Despite some homicide-specific evidence of advantage for early intervention for psychosis, impact of improving treatment - the most promising way forward - will generally have to be inferred from the not entirely satisfactory surrogate of effects of treatment on violent offending more generally.
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Minero VA, Barker E, Bedford R. Method of homicide and severe mental illness: A systematic review. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2017; 37:52-62. [PMID: 31354381 PMCID: PMC6660311 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
There is limited research that has examined offense characteristics in homicides committed by individuals with mental illness and with differing psychiatric diagnoses. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize previous findings of studies analyzing homicide behavior by mentally ill individuals, and reporting any associations between mental illness and method of homicide. We searched four databases (MedLine, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Embase), and identified 52 relevant articles for analysis. Of these 52 articles, nine reported specific information on mental illness and method of homicide. Five out of nine articles revealed an association between schizophrenia/delusional disorder and the use of sharp instruments as a method of homicide. Four out of nine studies revealed an association between mood disorders (bipolar disorder/major depression) and strangulation/asphyxiation/suffocation/drowning. Our review confirms consistency across studies reporting a significant association between close contact methods and schizophrenia/mood disorders. Also identified as possible influential factors concerning weapon choice are illness duration, victim characteristics and planning/lack of planning of the homicide. Additionally, studies revealed up to 96% of severely mentally ill offenders experienced psychiatric symptoms at the time of the homicide. Future research may examine the presence of specific psychiatric symptoms when a mentally ill offender commits a homicide and whether these may be more influential in the method of homicide used than the psychiatric diagnosis of the offender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Abreu Minero
- Corresponding author: Valeria Abreu Minero, King’s College London, , Telephone No: +44 079 550 07228, Address: 16 De Crespigny Park, Camberwell, London, United Kngdom, SE5 8AF
| | - Edward Barker
- King’s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Camberwell, London, United Kngdom, SE5 8AF
| | - Rachael Bedford
- King’s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Camberwell, London, United Kngdom, SE5 8AF
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Escobar-Echavarría J, Molina-Osorio SI, Restrepo-Bernal DP. [Socio-demographic, Psychiatric and Legal Characterization of Colombian Unimputable Patients, 2000-2013]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 46:82-87. [PMID: 28483177 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental illness has been associated with violent behaviour. Criminal behavior in the mentally ill population in Colombia has not been well studied. METHODS This is a retrospective, descriptive study, from a secondary source. An analysis was made of the sociodemographic, clinical, and legal variables of 127 unfit to plead patients. A descriptive analysis of quantitative variables was performed by measures of central tendency, and frequencies and percentages were calculated for the qualitative variables. The software SPSS® version 21.0 was used to analyse the data, and the study was approved by the Research Committee of the CES University. RESULTS The median age was 34 years, interquartile range 19 years, and 92.1% were men. The primary diagnosis was schizophrenia in 63%, 66.9% consumed alcohol, and 58.3% other drugs at the time they committed the crime. Almost one/third (29.1%) had a criminal record, and the most common type of crime was murder in 44.1% of cases. Around half (50.3%) of the victims had some degree of consanguinity with the patient. DISCUSSION The study subjects had higher illiteracy and lower educational levels than the Colombian prison population. Schizophrenia was the main diagnosis, and homicide the most prevalent crime, which agrees with the literature where non-indictable patients are responsible for 5%-20% of murder cases worldwide. CONCLUSIONS To reduce the gap between the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, especially schizophrenia, should be within the specific actions to prevent violence and criminal behavior associated with mental illness.
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Appleby L, Roscoe A, Shaw J. Services for released prisoners should address the many causes of reoffending. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:853-4. [PMID: 26342958 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Appleby
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, Centre for Suicide Prevention, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Alison Roscoe
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, Centre for Suicide Prevention, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jenny Shaw
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, Centre for Suicide Prevention, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Rodway C, Flynn S, While D, Rahman MS, Kapur N, Appleby L, Shaw J. Patients with mental illness as victims of homicide: a national consecutive case series. Lancet Psychiatry 2014; 1:129-34. [PMID: 26360576 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(14)70221-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The media attention received by homicides committed by patients with mental illness is thought to increase stigma. However, people with mental illness can also be victims of violence. We aimed to assess how often victims of homicide are current mental health patients and their relationship to the perpetrators. METHODS In a national consecutive case-series study, we obtained data for victims and perpetrators of all confirmed homicides between Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2005, in England and Wales. We requested information about contact with mental health services in the 12 months before the homicide for all victims and perpetrators. For victims and perpetrators who had contact with mental health services in the 12 months before homicide, we sent questionnaires to the clinician responsible for the patient's care. FINDINGS 1496 victims of confirmed homicide died between Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2005, in England and Wales. Patients with mental illness were more likely to die by homicide than were people in the general population (incidence rate ratio 2·6, 95% CI 1·9-3·4). 90 homicide victims (6%) had contact with mental health services in the 12 months before their death. 213 patients with mental illness were convicted of homicide in the same 3 year period. 29 of 90 patient victims were killed by another patient with mental illness. In 23 of these 29 cases, the victim and perpetrator were known to each other, and in 21 of these cases, the victims and perpetrators were undergoing treatment at the same National Health Service Trust. In these 29 cases in which patient victims were killed by another patient with mental illness, alcohol and drug misuse (19 victims [66%], 27 perpetrators [93%]) and previous violence (7 victims [24%], 7 perpetrators [24%]) were common in both victims and, particularly, perpetrators. In seven of the 29 cases in which the victim was killed by another patient with mental illness, both victim and perpetrator were diagnosed with schizophrenia. INTERPRETATION The high risk of patients with mental illness being victims of homicide is an important antistigma message, although this risk partly comes from other patients with mental illness; overall, the risk of patients committing homicide is greater than the risk of being a victim of homicide. Identification and safeguarding of patients at risk of violence should be prominent in clinical risk assessment. FUNDING Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn Rodway
- Centre for Mental Health and Risk, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Sandra Flynn
- Centre for Mental Health and Risk, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David While
- Centre for Mental Health and Risk, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mohammed S Rahman
- Centre for Mental Health and Risk, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Navneet Kapur
- Centre for Mental Health and Risk, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Louis Appleby
- Centre for Mental Health and Risk, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jenny Shaw
- Centre for Mental Health and Risk, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Appleby L. Implications of the Francis Inquiry for mental health research. Lancet Psychiatry 2014; 1:101-2. [PMID: 26360559 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(14)70242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Appleby
- Centre for Mental Health & Risk, University of Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
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Nielssen O, Bourget D, Laajasalo T, Liem M, Labelle A, Häkkänen-Nyholm H, Koenraadt F, Large MM. Homicide of strangers by people with a psychotic illness. Schizophr Bull 2011; 37:572-9. [PMID: 19822580 PMCID: PMC3080680 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbp112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The homicide of strangers by people with psychosis, referred to here as "stranger homicides," are rare and tragic events that generate adverse publicity for mental health services and have resulted in significant changes in mental health policy and law. AIM To estimate the incidence of stranger homicides, using data from previously published studies, and to compare the characteristics of psychotic offenders who killed strangers with the characteristics of those who killed a close relative. METHOD Meta-analysis of the population-based studies of homicide by persons suffering from a psychosis in which the number of subjects who killed strangers was also reported. Characteristics of stranger homicide and family homicide offenders were examined in a multicenter case-control study of homicide during psychotic illness in four high-income countries. RESULTS A pooled estimate of 1 stranger homicide per 14.3 million people per year (95% confidence interval, 1 in 18.9 million to 1 in 11.5 million people per year) was calculated by meta-analysis of 7 studies. The characteristics of the 42 stranger homicide offenders from New South Wales [NSW], Quebec and Eastern Ontario, Finland, and the Netherlands were identified. Twenty seven (64%) of these had never previously received treatment with antipsychotic medication. The stranger homicide offenders were more likely to be homeless, have exhibited antisocial conduct, and had fewer negative symptoms than those who killed family members. The victims of stranger homicide were mostly adult males and the homicides rarely occurred in the victim's home or workplace. CONCLUSIONS Stranger homicide in psychosis is extremely rare and is even rarer for a patient who has received treatment with antipsychotic medication. A lack of distinguishing characteristics of stranger homicide offenders and an extremely low base rate of stranger-homicide suggests that risk assessment of patients known to have a psychotic illness will be of little assistance in the prevention of stranger homicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olav Nielssen
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney
- Discipline of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney
| | - Dominique Bourget
- Integrated Forensic Program and Schizophrenia Program, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taina Laajasalo
- Department of Psychology, PO Box 9, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marieke Liem
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Law, Willem Pompe Instituut for Criminal Law & Criminology, Janskerkhof 16, 3512 BM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alain Labelle
- Schizophrenia Program, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre; Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helina Häkkänen-Nyholm
- Forensic Laboratory, National Bureau of Investigation & Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, PO Box 285, 01301 Vantaa, Finland
| | - Frans Koenraadt
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Law,Willem Pompe Instituut for Criminal Law & Criminology, Janskerkhof 16, 3512 BM Utrecht,The Netherlands
- Pieter Baan Centre, Gansstraat 170, 3582EP Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew M. Large
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales. Sydney, NSW, Australia
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A population-based study of juvenile perpetrators of homicide in England and Wales. J Adolesc 2011; 34:19-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Richard-Devantoy S, Voyer M, Gohier B, Garré JB, Senon JL. La crise homicidaire : pendant de la crise suicidaire ? Particularités chez le sujet schizophrène. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2009.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Homicide et schizophrénie : à propos de 14 cas de schizophrénie issus d’une série de 210 dossiers d’expertises psychiatriques pénales pour homicide. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Richard-Devantoy S, Gohier B, Chocard AS, Duflot JP, Lhuillier JP, Garré JB. Caractérisation sociodémographique, clinique et criminologique d’une population de 210 meurtriers. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2009.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Vandamme MJ. Schizophrénie et violence : facteurs cliniques, infracliniques et sociaux. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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[Homicide and major mental disorder: what are the social, clinical, and forensic differences between murderers with a major mental disorder and murderers without any mental disorder?]. Encephale 2009; 35:304-14. [PMID: 19748366 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2008.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the social, clinical, and forensic differences between murderers suffering from a major mental disorder and murderers without any psychiatric disorder and, in particular, to compare their respective records of psychiatric symptoms and their respective relationship with their victims. METHOD We studied 210 forensic examinations of murderers, the offences related to the murders, and the social and clinical information collected from psychiatric court reports on persons convicted of homicide. Firstly, we identified the socio-demographic, clinical and criminological profiles of 210 murderers from which were distinguished murderers with major mental disorder. Then, we compared the profiles of murderers suffering from a major mental disorder with those of murderers without any mental disease. In other words, we compared 37 persons affected with major mental disorder (schizophrenia, paranoiac delusional disorder, and affective disorder) with 73 persons without any mental disorder. We deliberately excluded subjects with personality disorder or abuse of/dependency on drugs, mental retardation or dementia. RESULTS With the exception of certain variables, murderers with major mental disorder have the same characteristics as others murderers: young man, living alone, with psychiatric and offence records and substance abuse. Murderers with major mental disorder are older (37.8 versus 31.7 years old) than perpretators without any mental disorder, and the former have a psychiatric record more often than the latter (81 versus 32.9%). In addition, contrary to the latter, the former show clinical symptoms of a psychopathological process. Depression, delusional and suicidal ideas are frequent among murderers with a major mental disorder, whereas the persons without mental disorder quarrel or have a row with their victim just before their crime. The victim was known to the perpetrator significantly more often in the major mental disorder group than in the no mental disorder group (94,6 versus 76,7%, p=0,008). The most major mental disorders' homicide was more likely to be against intimates than strangers. The application of the former article 64 or the present article 122-1 of the French Criminal Code are envisaged more often in the major mental disorder group than in the no mental disorder group. CONCLUSION The main difference between murderers with a major mental disorder and murderers without any mental disorder is the psychopathology of the morbid process which underlies the homicide. Impairment of judgment at the time of the crime should be taken into account. As a clinician, we should focus our attention on general risk factors of violence and homicide (male, young, underprivileged class, abuse of alcohol) and on more specific factors (mental disorder co-morbidities...). To these factors should be added the dynamic characteristics of the meeting of the protagonists.
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Weizmann-Henelius G, Putkonen H, Naukkarinen H, Eronen M. Intoxication and violent women. Arch Womens Ment Health 2009; 12:15-25. [PMID: 19037713 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-008-0038-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 11/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and drugs have been linked to severe violent offending among women as well as men. The purpose of this study was to make a contribution to the limited knowledge of characteristics related to the state of intoxication in violent female offenders. The putative differences in the characteristics of female offenders and their violent offenses in relation to the state of intoxication at the time of the violent offending were examined. Of a nation-wide sample of 109 female offenders found guilty of homicide and other violent crimes and incarcerated in 1999-2000 in Finland, 60 offenders participated in the study. Of these offenders 49 (81.7%) had been intoxicated at the time the of index offenses. These were compared with 11 (18.3%) non-intoxicated offenders using a structured interview, the Structured Clinical Interview II for DSM-IV (SCID-II) and the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). The prevalence of substance abuse or dependence (73.3% and 0%), personality disorder (89.6% and 36.4%), particularly antisocial personality disorder (66.7% and 0%), as well as a history of criminality (69.4% and 0%) were significantly higher among the intoxicated women than among the non-intoxicated. The PCL-R scores were also significantly higher among the intoxicated offenders than among non-intoxicated offenders. The victims of the intoxicated women (23.9%) were less often emotionally close to the perpetrator than were the victims of the non-intoxicated women (66.6%). No differences emerged between the groups in experiences of childhood and adulthood abuse or stressful life events prior to the index crime. The findings indicate that intoxicated violent female offenders exhibit more of the characteristics previously found in violent men, than do the non-intoxicated female offenders. Moreover, the non-intoxicated group comprises both psychotic non-responsible and non-psychotic, fairly well-adjusted women, who are educated, working or studying at the time of the offense and has no history of criminality. Substance misuse constitutes an obvious risk factor for violent behavior in women, and therefore the prevention should include substance abuse treatment.
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Putkonen H, Weizmann-Henelius G, Lindberg N, Rovamo T, Häkkänen H. Changes over time in homicides by women: a register-based study comparing female offenders from 1982 to 1992 and 1993 to 2005. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2008; 18:268-278. [PMID: 19072888 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contribution of women to violent offending, including homicide, may be increasing as society changes. AIMS The aim of this paper was to test for trends in homicide by women in Finland. METHODS A retrospective register-based study was conducted by comparing two national cohorts: one from 1982 to 1992 and the other from 1993 to 2005. RESULTS There was a small increase in the proportion of homicides committed by women over time, but the most striking difference between the cohorts was in the significantly higher frequency of alcohol abuse/dependence in the later cohort and of being under the influence of alcohol during the crime. Fewer perpetrators were regarded as lacking or being of diminished responsibility in the later cohort. The victims of the earlier cohort were emotionally closer to the offender than those of the later one. CONCLUSIONS In Finland, there have been changes in characteristics of women who commit homicide and their crimes over time, with the apparent development of a subgroup of women who kill who are much more like men who kill than women in the 1980s and early 1990s. Preventing substance abuse and marginalization are likely to be important ways of preventing homicide by both female and male perpetrators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Putkonen
- Vanha Vaasa Hospital, Vaasa, Finland. hanna.putkonen @vvs.fi
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Valença AM, de Moraes TM. Relação entre homicídio e transtornos mentais. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2006; 28 Suppl 2:S62-8. [PMID: 17143446 DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462006000600003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Diversos estudos encontraram uma relação entre transtornos mentais graves e violência. Uma das abordagens de estudo deste tema são as investigações com criminosos homicidas. O objetivo do presente artigo foi investigar a associação entre homicídio e transtornos mentais. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura, através das seguintes bases de dados: Medline, Scientific Eletronic Library Online e Lilacs. No sistema Medline também foi pesquisada a seção de artigos relacionados. RESULTADOS: Embora exista uma associação entre transtornos mentais e homicídio, não está claro porque alguns pacientes comportam-se de forma violenta e outros não. Transtornos relacionados ao uso de álcool/drogas e transtornos de personalidade comórbidos e falta de aderência ao tratamento podem aumentar este risco. CONCLUSÕES: É justificável a identificação de pessoas com risco elevado de comportamento violento e oferta de tratamento em serviços de saúde mental para as mesmas. Estes serviços deveriam prevenir a perda de contato e não-colaboração com o tratamento que freqüentemente precedem o homicídio perpetrado por pessoas com transtornos mentais graves. É de fundamental importância que a sociedade e as autoridades governamentais diminuam as barreiras de acesso ao tratamento psiquiátrico e psicossocial.
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Töro K, Szlávik N, Mészáros A, Dunay G, Soós M, Keller E. Jumping and falling death in children, adolescents, and young adults. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 13:129-34. [PMID: 16359907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcfm.2005.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2005] [Revised: 10/11/2005] [Accepted: 10/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evaluation of fatal jumps and falls from height in children, adolescents and young adults needs careful medico-legal investigation. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of undetermined falling from height, accidental falling, and suicidal jumping cases between 1990-2003. METHODS Copies of death certificates relating to falling from height and jumping deaths in Hungarian youths from the ages of 0-24 years of those resident in Hungary were obtained. RESULTS 215 (34.1%) accidental falls, 394 (62.6%) suicidal jumping, and 21 (3.3%) undetermined intent were investigated. A significant increase was detected in suicidal jumping death in the age group of 15-19 years (OR=0.7, CI=0.49-0.98, p=0.039), and in the age group of 20-24 years (OR=0.72, CI=0.54-0.96, p=0.025) in the most recent 5 year study period. CONCLUSION Data concerning the scene investigation, detailed forensic autopsy, and family history have important role in the differentiation of fatal jumping or falling cases. Further investigation about the characteristics injuries may help the final determination of violent death causes at youth, and more effort should be directed to an effective prevention strategy for jumping or falling death cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Töro
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Semmelweis University Budapest, Ulloi út 93, 1091 Budapest, Hungary.
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Priebe S, Badesconyi A, Fioritti A, Hansson L, Kilian R, Torres-Gonzales F, Turner T, Wiersma D. Reinstitutionalisation in mental health care: comparison of data on service provision from six European countries. BMJ 2005; 330:123-6. [PMID: 15567803 PMCID: PMC544427 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38296.611215.ae] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish whether reinstitutionalisation is occurring in mental health care and, if so, with what variations between western European countries. DESIGN Comparison of data on changes in service provision. SETTING Six European countries with different traditions of mental health care that have all experienced deinstitutionalisation since the 1970s--England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. OUTCOME MEASURES Changes in the number of forensic hospital beds, involuntary hospital admissions, places in supported housing, general psychiatric hospital beds, and general prison population between 1990-1 and 2002-3. RESULTS Forensic beds and places in supported housing have increased in all countries, whereas changes in involuntary hospital admissions have been inconsistent. The number of psychiatric hospital beds has been reduced in five countries, but only in two countries does this reduction outweigh the number of additional places in forensic institutions and supported housing. The general prison population has substantially increased in all countries. CONCLUSIONS Reinstitutionalisation is taking place in European countries with different traditions of health care, although with significant variation between the six countries studied. The precise reasons for the phenomenon remain unclear. General attitudes to risk containment in a society, as indicated by the size of the prison population, may be more important than changing morbidity and new methods of mental healthcare delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Priebe
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, Queen Mary University of London, Newham Centre for Mental Health, London E13 8SP.
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