NCJ Number
216958
Journal
Criminal Behaviou and Mental Health Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 242-253
Date Published
2006
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study attempted to identify factors that were associated with the use of excessive violence among homicide offenders with schizophrenia.
Abstract
The results of this study are in line with previous work suggesting that delusions are common at the time of homicides committed by individuals with psychosis, whereas hallucinations alone are rare. Distress, such as anger, anxiety or fear, evoked by the symptoms immediately prior to the offense was present in most cases. The number of cases in this study classified as excessively violent was rather high. The overall results of the study suggest that delusions or hallucinations are not associated with higher rates of excessive violence within a homicide group, even when the type of symptom and the motivation are taken into consideration. Although the overall proportion of violent crimes committed by people suffering from schizophrenia is small, previous research suggests that these individuals are more likely to be violent than members of the general population. This study examined forensic psychiatric examination statements and Criminal Index File data of 125 consecutive Finnish homicide offenders diagnosed with schizophrenia in order to identify factors associated with the use of excessive violence among homicide offenders with schizophrenia. Tables, references