Forensic Psychiatric Assessment of Individuals with Mental and Behavioral Disorders Due to Use of Alcohol, who Committed Homicide

Abstract

Introduction

The rate of pure alcohol consumption per capita in Lithuania is reported to be one of the highest in Europe Union. Many studies illustrate the relationship between alcohol and violent crimes. Though dual diagnosis of severe mental disorder and alcohol dependency is common.

Aim

To evaluate peculiarities of mental status of individuals with mental disorders due to use of alcohol, who had committed homicide.

Methods

Forensic psychiatry examination reports in alcohol consumption cases and homicide acts (n 110) were taken from archive of national service of forensic psychiatry in Lithuania, 2010–2014.

Results

In total, 93% (n 91) men and 100% (n 12) women at the time of homicide act were under the influence of alcohol. A total of, 83% (n 91) of cases reported impulsiveness, emotional lability and personality degradation due to long term of alcohol consumption; 52% (n 57) of cases motives for violence remained unclear: offenders indicated they remember nothing because of alcohol intoxication, also possible malingering was evaluated. In total, 100% women (n 12) and 97% men (n 95) were criminally responsible. Only 2 individuals committed homicide as a result of psychosis due to paranoid schizophrenia and 1 individual had significant intellectual deficiency due to moderate mental retardation, which lead them to inability to appreciate the dangerous nature of their acts and to control their behavior. Compulsory medical treatment was recommended to all three of them.

Conclusion

Impulse control deficiency and emotional lability are prevalent amongst homicide offenders with mental disorders due to use of alcohol. Only 3 individuals were irresponsible for their criminal acts as a result of severe mental disorders.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.