Author:
Shaw Jenny,Hunt Isabelle M.,Flynn Sandra,Meehan Janet,Robinson Jo,Bickley Harriet,Parsons Rebecca,McCann Kerry,Burns James,Amos Tim,Kapur Navneet,Appleby Louis
Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies of people convicted of homicide have used different definitions of mental disorder.AimsTo estimate the rate of mental disorder in people convicted of homicide; to examine the relationship between definitions, verdict and outcome in court.MethodA national clinical survey of people convicted of homicide (n=1594) in England and Wales (1996–1999). Rates of mental disorder were estimated based on: lifetime diagnosis, mental illness at the time of the offence, contact with psychiatric services, diminished responsibility verdict and hospital disposal.ResultsOf the 1594, 545 (34%) had a mental disorder: most had not attended psychiatric services; 85 (5%) had schizophrenia (lifetime); 164 (10%) had symptoms of mental illness at the time of the offence; 149 (9%) received a diminished responsibility verdict and 111 (7%) a hospital disposal – both were associated with severe mental illness and symptoms of psychosis.ConclusionsThe findings suggest an association between schizophrenia and conviction for homicide. Most perpetrators with a history of mental disorder were not acutely ill or under mental healthcare at the time of the offence. Some perpetrators receive prison sentences despite having severe mental illness.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
106 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献