Psychological and Social Correlates among Convicts of Intrafamily Homicide in a Tertiary Psychiatry Hospital – A Retrospective Chart Review

Abstract

Background: Intrafamily homicide often described as “parricide” and “familicide” has multifactorial etiology with sociocultural issues and psychiatric disorders having a bearing. Aim: The aim was to study the psychosocial and family correlates in individuals convicted of intrafamily homicide. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of persons convicted of intrafamily homicide referred by the Karnataka Judiciary between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. The observations were recorded in five domains comprising axis I diagnoses, projective tests, personality evaluation, intelligence quotient, and assessment of family. Results: Of the 54 prison cases that were screened, 24 had a history of homicide, of which 10 belonged to intrafamily homicide. Majority were male, involved in physical labor, belonged to lower socioeconomic status, and hailed from rural domicile. 7/10 had axis 1 diagnosis, of which three had psychosis, one had Internet gaming disorder with emotionally unstable personality disorder, and one had alcohol dependence syndrome. The Rorschach inkblot test of three persons had average productivity with adequate touch with reality, had neurotic constriction with disturbed adjustment, with no diagnostic indicators of psychotic process, affective disorder, or anxiety. 5/10 had reported unhappy childhood and poor interpersonal relationship with spouse, and the majority reported financial difficulties. Conclusion: Psychosocial factors like psychotic disorders, interpersonal conflicts with spouse, unhappy childhood, financial difficulties, and difficulty in adaptability, either independently or together can act as risk factors for intrafamily homicides. Early identification and treatment of psychotic disorders and psychosocial interventions aimed at resolving interpersonal issues, helping adaptability and coping may reduce the risk of such acts.