Perpetrators of homicide with schizophrenia: A national clinical survey in England and Wales

Janet Meehan, Sandra Flynn, Isabelle M. Hunt, Jo Robinson, Harriet Bickley, Rebecca Parsons, Tim Amos, Nav Kapur, Louis Appleby, Jenny Shaw

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Objective: Few studies have described rates of schizophrenia in a national sample of homicide perpetrators. This study aimed to describe this group's social and clinical characteristics, mental state features, offense details, and outcome in court. Method: Analyses used a national clinical survey that collected data on people convicted of homicide in England and Wales (1996-1999). Data were collected for those with schizophrenia or other delusional disorders from psychiatric reports and questionnaires. Results: Of the 1,594 people convicted of homicide, 85 (5 percent) had schizophrenia. Of the 57 people with schizophrenia for whom data were available, 32 (56 percent) had been ill for less than 12 months, and in the month before the offense, 32 (56 percent) had shown a change in the quality, intensity, or conviction of or emotional response to their delusional beliefs. Twenty-four (28 percent) had no previous contact with psychiatric services. Conclusions: Regular assessment of delusions may help to detect an increased risk of violence, including homicide. More intensive care should be available for patients with a history of schizophrenia and previous violence.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1648-1651
    Number of pages3
    JournalPsychiatric Services
    Volume57
    Issue number11
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Nov 2006

    Keywords

    • MENTAL-DISORDERS; PSYCHOTIC MEN; VIOLENCE

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