When Psychosis Kills
The latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia presents a study examining homicides committed by psychotic offenders in New South Wales between 1993 and 2002. A total of 93 homicides committed by 88 people were analyzed to determine patterns of offending. While drug use and history of brain injury were found to be potential contributing factors, the strongest contributing factor involved auditory hallucinations or delusions leading the offender to believe that he or she was in immediate danger. Most homicide victims were known by the offender (i.e., family member or acquaintances) and the majority of lethal assaults occurred in the first year of mental illness. In general, it was the first psychotic episode that carried the greatest risk of lethal consequences. The study researchers recommended treating the first psychotic episode as a psychiatric emergency, particularly when family members or friends express concern about safety.
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