Citation

Le Bihan P, Bourgeois ML. Confrontations Psychiatriques 2008; (47): 121-145.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Several recent publications describe a probable underestimation of criminal potential of depression and suicidal ideation as well as forensic consequences of affective disorders. In murder-suicides, a depressive illness seems the most commune disease, ranging from 36 to 75 % of cases in studies. These crimes are essentially filicides by depressive parents in an extended suicide context, family or spouse homicides. A depressive symptomatology is also relatively often seen in firesetting and sexual aggressions. In manic episodes of bipolar disorders, antisocial acts are more frequent albeit serious crimes seem relatively rare and often linked to substance abuse. Comorbidity is important with addictive behaviors, especially alcohol and substance abuse and antisocial personality disorder. Psychiatric examination of mental state in forensic conditions may unrecognize affectives disorders. Criminal history are frequent for bipolar patients. The absence of treatment or a delayed prescription expose patients to dangerous behaviors and medico-legal acts which may belong to the illness course.

Language: fr

Keywords

Crime; Depression; Violence; Bipolar disorder; Mania