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


METHODS
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.
Meehan
Janet
J
Department of Psychiatry, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom M13 9PL.
Flynn
Sandra
S
Hunt
Isabelle M
IM
Robinson
Jo
J
Bickley
Harriet
H
Parsons
Rebecca
R
Amos
Tim
T
Kapur
Nav
N
Appleby
Louis
L
Shaw
Jenny
J
D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D003702:Delusions / Q000453:epidemiology; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006708:Homicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology