Citation

Al-Amery AH, Humaidi NS, Al-Aboodi MR, Hammadi GA, Sadik S. N. Iraqi J. Med. 2011; 7(3): 73-77.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Iraq Ministry of Health, Publisher ScopeMed-GESDAV)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study looks at the relationship between mental illness and terrorist acts. 118 terrorism charged offenders were assessed by the forensic psychiatric team, while resident at Ibn Al-Haitham secure unit at Al-Rashad Teaching hospital-Baghdad. Data were collected retrospectively for the 118 terrorism charged offenders for the period January 2005 to July 2010. They were compared with a sample of 100 homicide-charged offenders for the same period.

The two groups showed similarities in age, marital status, level of education, gender, and desire to die for a cause. However the study group showed lower prevalence of mental illness and lower previous criminal record.

Both groups were also similar on a number of socio-economic parameter: living standards, size of the family, and previous psychiatric history. However the study group had better family environment, higher living with extended family, lower history of psychological trauma, and higher number being paid for the act.

In conclusion this study describes the profile of a group of terrorism charged offenders which might assist in the forensic assessment. Further prospective studies are required to better understand this group and help in advising the authorities on preventive measures.

Key words: Terrorism, mental illness, terrorism charged offenders, socio-economic profile