Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in mentally ill perpetrators of homicide

Abstract

An act of homicide can lead to PTSD symptoms in the perpetrator. This study investigates the prevalence of PTSD in a sample of homicide perpetrators specifically related to the offence. It also examines associated characteristics of the offender and victim. Of a total sample of 29 mentally ill in-patients, 19 were assessed using the Clinician administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). The prevalence of partial PTSD was also measured. Lifetime prevalence of PTSD following homicide was 58% with an additional 21% having partial PTSD. Offenders were more likely to develop PTSD if the victim was a family member or if they did not report suffering early adverse events in childhood. This finding constitutes a high prevalence of PTSD in this sample. The authors emphasize the importance of early recognition of PTSD in the treatment of mentally ill perpetrators of homicide.

Keywords:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• full and partial PTSD
• mental illness
• homicide