Homicide and major mental disorders: a 25-year study

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the association between major mental disorders (MMDs) and homicide.

METHOD

The rates of exculpations because of MMDs among 1087 Austrian homicide offenders during 1975 and 1999 were compared with the rates of the respective disorders in the general population.

RESULTS

MMDs were associated with an increased likelihood of homicide (two-fold in men and six-fold in women). This was exclusively because of schizophrenia (age-adjusted ORs in men 5.85, CI 4.29-8.01; in women 18.38, CI 11.24-31.55) and delusional disorder in men (OR 5.98, CI 1.91-16.51). Comorbid alcohol abuse/dependence (additionally) increased the odds in schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder.

CONCLUSION

The increased likelihood of homicide in subjects with MMDs cannot be fully explained by comorbid alcoholism. The results point to the special importance of sufficient treatment for a subgroup of mentally ill individuals being at higher risk of violence.

Being a webcam

Searching through studies of schizophrenic delusions with a view to the new media, we came across the case of a young woman who integrated the Internet in her delusional system. Analysing the story she told, we recognised a psychotic symptom, which we preliminarily called 'perception broadcast'. Perception broadcast shows a more complex structure than the related first rank symptom 'thought broadcast' described by Kurt Schneider. In our view the existence of a structure like perception broadcast depends on the existence of new technologies, such as the World Wide Web and 'virtual reality', creating new cultural patterns which themselves are associated with collective perceptions of derealisation.

Old wine in new bottles? Stability and plasticity of the contents of schizophrenic delusions

A number of recent case reports published during the last 20 years described a quick inclusion of new technologies and cultural innovations into schizophrenic delusions which led many of the authors to the conclusion that the 'Zeitgeist' is creating new delusional contents. On the other hand, long-term comparisons and comparative transcultural studies on delusions showed, despite a certain degree of variability, a stability of delusional themes over longer periods of time. Combining anthropological and historical theories of the development of societies with a differentiated psychopathological approach (Klosterkötter's three-stage model of the formation of schizophrenic delusions), we were able to resolve the problem of the ostensibly divergent results: there are only a few themes of extraordinary anthropological importance for the organization of human relationships which can be found in every epoch and in different cultures (persecution, grandiosity, guilt, religion, hypochondria, jealousy, and love). With the exception of persecution and grandiosity, these themes showed a certain variability over time and between cultures. The 'new' themes, referring to the development of modern technology and the rapid changes of 'cultural patterns' turned out to be only the shaping of the basic delusional themes on the 3rd stage of Klosterkötter's phase model (concretization).

Are we witnessing the disappearance of catatonic schizophrenia?

The decrease in the frequency of diagnosed catatonic subtypes among schizophrenic disorders as a whole during the last 50 years has long been regarded as an established fact. Until now the factors responsible for this development have been under discussion. As it is not clear if there is a true decrease or an ostensible one due to other factors such as changed diagnostic habits or neuroleptic treatment, we examined 174 consecutively admitted schizophrenic patients from three different psychiatric institutions diagnosed according to DSM-IV and Leonhard's criteria. It turned out that-depending on the diagnostic system-the rates of diagnosed catatonias were 10.3% (DSM-IV) and 25.3% (Leonhard's criteria). Comparison of the two original Leonhard cohorts (1938 to 1968, 1969 to 1986) with our own (1994 to 1999) shows a decrease in the frequency of catatonias from 35% to 25%, which-albeit statistically significant-is much less pronounced than in studies that used a narrower definition of catatonia. Here, besides sociocultural developments, the use of neuroleptics seems to effect the decrease in the frequency of catatonias in two ways: on one hand, they cause a decrease of hyperkinesia, excitement, or impulsivity; while on the other hand, they themselves produce motor abnormalities like rigidity, effects that favor the attribution of motoric symptoms to neuroleptics.

Guilt and depression: a cross-cultural comparative study

Although nearly a century has passed since Kraepelin's investigations in Java [Cbl Nervenheilk Psychiatr 1904; 27:468-469], one crucial question regarding guilt in the course of depression has still not been decided: Is there a more or less stable connection independent of culture, or is guilt confined to certain civilisations? This study investigated this issue in 100 Pakistani and 100 Austrian out-patients diagnosed with 'major depression' according to DSM-IV by means of standardised instruments (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Life Time Version, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, 21-item version). The experiences of guilt were subdivided into ethical feelings (ethical anxiety and feelings of guilt) and delusions of guilt. It turned out that ethical feelings could be found in both cultures regardless of age and sex. They seem to be primarily related to the extent of depressive retardation. However, the distribution of the two subsets of ethical feelings was culture dependent. Delusions of guilt were confined to patients of the Austrian sample. So, our data qualify the exclusivity of the aforementioned two points of view and support the need for a psychopathologically differentiated approach.

Association studies of candidate genes in bipolar disorders

The aim of the investigation was to test genes for predisposition to bipolar affective disorder. Therefore, we studied candidate genes in a sample of unrelated patients (n = 102) and healthy controls (n = 79) of Austrian origin, searching for a possible association between polymorphic DNA markers of 5 candidate genes (serotonin transporter, 5-HTT; serotonin 2a receptor, 5-HT2a; dopamine D2 receptor, DRD2; dopamine D3 receptor, DRD3; dopamine transporter, DAT1) and bipolar disorder. There was an association between allelic and genotypic frequencies of 5-HTT and affection status (p = 0.014 and p = 0.017, respectively). However, after correction for multiple comparisons (Bonferroni), these results did not remain significant. Nevertheless, the findings might suggest that alterations in the structure of 5-HTT are involved in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder, which could have major implications in treatment. No association between 5-HT2a, DRD2, DRD3, DAT1 and bipolar disorder was found.

Psychological disorders in survivors of torture: exhaustion, impairment and depression

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been described as the characteristic sequel to extreme events in life such as war and especially torture. This limitation to a single approach in regard to diagnosis and treatment has been criticised as being a too narrow concept to describe the effects following extreme events in life, especially as most studies so far were limited to PTSD and a small range of symptoms or disorders. The study presents data on psychiatric disorders in a group of exiled survivors of torture presenting to an out-patient department for psychiatry. A DSM-III-R-based psychiatric interview, including the general assessment of functioning scale (GAF), an open list of symptoms and the Vienna diagnostic criteria in regard to depression were used to evaluate a broader range of possible sequels. The most frequent present diagnosis in 44 patients seen over a period of 3 years was PTSD (n = 40), but criteria for a present diagnosis of other disorders were fulfilled in 34 patients, even years after torture, mainly major depression or dysthymia (n = 26). Criteria for functional psychosis were fulfilled in 4 patients. Many patients reported symptoms not assessed by DSM-III-R criteria, including feelings of shame and guilt, and ruminations on existential fears. The impairment as indicated by the GAF (mean 59.1) correlated best with the presence of the endogenomorphic-depressive axial syndrome, but not with duration of imprisonment, age or other factors. Research on sequels to extreme trauma should not be restricted to a simple diagnosis of PTSD, but should continue to look for a broader conceptualisation, including neglected categories like the axial syndrome, as PTSD is common, but might not be the only factor of importance for research and treatment. ICD-10 might offer a more adequate interpretation of sequels.

Association study of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and dopamine D3 receptor gene: is schizoaffective disorder special?

Alterations in dopamine neurotransmission have been hypothesized to play a role in the etiology of schizophrenia. We considered the dopamine D3 receptor gene on chromosome 3 as a candidate gene for an association analysis. We compared PCR-based genotype markers for healthy controls (n=120) and patients (n=95) with schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders as diagnosed by consensus according to DSM-III-R. Our results possibly indicate an association of schizoaffective disorder with DRD3 homozygosity (P=0.056).

Non-association of dopamine D4 and D2 receptor genes with personality in healthy individuals

Recently, different research groups reported conflicting results with regard to an association of dopamine 4 receptor (DRD4) genotypes and the personality dimension of novelty seeking (NS). High scores for NS seemed to be associated with long alleles of a DRD4 polymorphism. Furthermore, an association between personality traits and the dopamine 2 (DRD2) receptor gene was reported. NS and persistence (PS) high scores seemed to be associated with alleles of DRD2. We examined 109 (78 female and 31 male) normal healthy individuals using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in order to replicate these findings. We genotyped a 48 base pair variable number of tandem repeats (from two to eight repeats) polymorphism in the third exon of DRD4 and a Cys311Ser polymorphism in exon 7 of DRD2. We tested alleles and genotypes of DRD4 (allele 7 absent or present; genotype 4,4 versus 4,7), and Ser/Cys and Cys/Cys genotypes of DRD2 for associations with TCI values. NS and the alleles and genotypes of DRD4 did not show any association. In associating the genotypes of DRD2 with TCI scales (NS, harm avoidance, reward dependence and PS), we also found no association. Recent findings associating NS with DRD4 could not be replicated. With regard to DRD2, we tested a different polymorphism as published recently and could not find an association of TCI scales with the gene. The present results therefore do not provide evidence that the DRD2 and DRD4 receptor genes contribute a common and relevant effect to personality traits.

[Negative delusional identity with schizophrenic psychoses. Case studies of phemonology and pathogenesis]

With schizophrenics negative delusional identities constitute one way of psychotic alteration of self-identification. The main notion is of being a personification of evil. In a cross-cultural comparison study we found in the Austrian sample 13 patients with negative delusional identities. Our present study is based on detailed interviews and evaluations of medical records of this sample. Our aim was to draft a typology of delusional identities as a basic requirement for a phenomenology of the negative manifestations. Further investigative goals were the efforts of self-explanation undertaken by the patients with regard to their altered condition, the search for a pathogenetic transitional series and the functional value of the new identities. According to our estimation the basic mood on which negative delusional identities are founded is timid and dejected. Further basic requirements are a disturbed conscience of the ego and the concurrence of grandeur and guilt ideas. Half of our patients imagined to be reincarnations of negative biblical figures, three regarded themselves as possessed, two attributed their identities to heredity. Despite of diverse situative points of departure a common pathogenetic transitional series emerged for all patients. From a functional point of view a negative delusional identity seems to offer some kind of protection from further structural disintegration as well as relief from feelings of guilt--all that however at the price of structural deformations with dynamic depletion.

The age of onset of schizophrenia and the theory of anticipation

The clinical phenomenon called anticipation is usually defined as a decrease in age at onset and/or an increase in disease severity in successive generations of afflicted families. The purpose of this study was to examine variables that might influence anticipation in schizophrenia. A total of 380 Austrian patients, born between 1935 and 1964, met criteria for schizophrenia with ICD-8 or ICD-9, SADS-L and DSM-III-R criteria. The inclusion criteria also required medical records of patients to contain information about the year of birth, season of birth, age at onset, accidents or meningoencephalitic diseases during childhood, first- and second-degree relatives afflicted with schizophrenia, sibship size, sib order, education of patient, age of parents, occupation of parents, loss of parents, and place of residence. A Cox multiple-regression analysis showed three factors as having a significant influence on the age of disease onset, including year of birth (which had the largest influence), family history (sporadic cases showed an onset 2 years later than familial cases) and residence (urban dwellers showed psychotic symptoms approximately 1 year sooner than rural ones). A Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis showed that younger cohorts had onset approximately 10 years earlier in sporadic and familial cases. This cohort effect might be a major source of bias in studies of anticipation.

Sibling orders of schizophrenic patients in Austria and Pakistan

The influence of siblings on the socialization of the individual has been recognized as a fact by both psychology and sociology. The significance of sibling order for the outbreak of psychiatric diseases on the other hand is still discussed controversially. In our study, we compared the expected values and the positions actually found in the sibling order of 379 (233 males, 146 females) Austrian and 144 (101 males, 43 females) Pakistani patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV (295). The position in the sibling order had no influence on the outbreak of schizophrenia in Austria; with Austrian schizophrenics, the results found were very near to the expected values. In Pakistan on the other hand, the eldest brothers from families with 2-4 siblings had a significantly higher risk of falling ill. The investigation of the composition of the sibships of schizophrenic patients also showed a high overrepresentation of men in the firstborn position in Pakistan. These facts seem to exercise influences that may either protect against the outbreak or encourage it. The differences found agree well with the fact that in Pakistan, both the gender of a child and the position in the sibling order entail different ways of treatment and different scopes of responsibility. Socialization in Austria on the other hand, at least in the recent decades, has become very uniform for both sexes, regardless of the sibling position.

Comparison of delusions among schizophrenics in Austria and in Pakistan

One of the central purposes of cross-cultural psychiatry is to scrutinize the sociocultural influences on the phenomenology of psychiatric diseases. On the other hand it is possible to lay bare a nucleus of symptoms, common to all cultures, which, independently of all influences, occupies a central position for an understanding of the disease considered. In this study an attempt was made to approach this problem by means of investigating the contents of delusion of schizophrenic patients in Austria and Pakistan. The contents of delusion among 126 Austrian and 108 Pakistani patients diagnosed as having schizophrenia according to DSM-III-R (art. 295) were compared following the classification of Huber and Gross. Additionally the kind of persecution and the type of the persecutor were registered. However it appeared that only a few contents of delusion are frequent in both countries. In both countries persecution was the most frequently mentioned content of delusion. The comparison of the contents of delusion revealed significantly higher frequencies of delusions of grandeur, guilt and religious delusions in Austrian patients. Significant differences could also be found with the kind of persecution and the persecutor's type. Cultural factors seem to have a decisive influence on shaping the contents of delusion.

The unified biosocial model of personality in schizophrenia families and controls

This report describes the application of a unified biosocial model of personality developed by C.R. Cloninger to a sample of families identified through a proband with schizophrenia and a sample of controls. Families of schizophrenic patients were ascertained in USA and Austria. We could detect differences between females and males in their response to positive reinforcement (Reward Dependence) and differences between young and old people with respect to the response to new and/or exciting situations (Novelty Seeking). In general, results obtained for individuals from schizophrenia families and controls were similar. These results are not substantially influenced by psychiatric disorders in individuals. Psychiatric diagnosis may have an influence on the third dimension of Cloninger's model, designated Harm Avoidance. Analysis showed that patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or from the schizophrenia spectrum try harder to avoid punishment or aversive stimuli than family members with another psychiatric disorder or without a psychiatric diagnosis as well as controls. The results are promising and further research is needed to evaluate the structure of the proposed personality model in families and the relationship of personality to psychiatric status.

Schizophrenia and the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase gene: results of a linkage and association study

Alterations in dopamine neurotransmission and disturbed norepinephrine activity have been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We considered the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) gene located on the long arm of chromosome 9 (9q34.3) as a candidate gene for schizophrenia. DBH catalyzes the synthesis of norepinephrine from dopamine in noradrenergic neurons. In addition to DBH we used in the linkage study DNA markers ABL (centromeric) and D9S114 (telomeric). The aim of this study was to test linkage and association between PCR-based genotyped markers and schizophrenia. A simulation was done to investigate the power of our sample. In 34 Austrian families we could not detect linkage between schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders and the three genetic markers. We could not find any significant deviation in allelic or genotypic distribution from expectations. Based on our results we conclude that the DBH gene seems to have no strong contribution in the etiology of schizophrenia.