Homicide-suicide and the role of mental disorder: A national consecutive case series
PURPOSE:
There
is a lack of robust empirical research examining mental disorder and
homicide-suicide. Primary care medical records are seldom used in
homicide-suicide research. The aims of this study were to describe the
characteristics of offenders and victims; determine the prevalence of mental
disorder and contact with mental health services and examine adverse events
prior to the offence.
METHODS:
This was
a mixed-methods study based on a consecutive case series of offences in England
and Wales occurring between 2006 and 2008. 60 homicide-suicides were recorded.
Data sources included coroner's records, police files, General Practice (GP)
and specialist mental health records, and newspaper articles.
RESULTS:
The
results show that most victims were spouse/partners and/or children. Most
perpetrators were male (88 %) and most victims were female (77 %).
The incidents were commonly preceded by relationship breakdown and separation.
62 % had mental health problems. A quarter visited a GP for emotional
distress within a month of the incident. Few had been in recent contact with
mental health services before the incident (12 %). Self-harm (26 %)
and domestic violence (39 %) were common.
CONCLUSION:
In
conclusion, GPs cannot be expected to prevent homicide-suicide directly, but
they can reduce risk generally, via the treatment of depression and recognising
the risks associated with domestic violence.
- 1The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Institute of Brain Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. sandra.m.flynn@manchester.ac.uk.
- 2Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- 3The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Institute of Brain Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2016 Apr 16.
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