Homicide associated with psychotic illness: What global temporal trends tell us about the association between mental illness and violence

Abstract

Available evidence suggests that persons with serious forms of mental illness are 4–10 times more likely to commit homicide as compared to non-affected members of the general population. The relationship between homicide and psychotic illness has now been subject to longitudinal investigation in six different populations across eight studies covering time periods over the last six decades. With the exception of one study, these investigations demonstrate that homicide associated with psychotic illness appears relatively stable through time and, in most populations, is not related to factors that contribute to the rise and fall of total population homicide (TPH) rates. This suggests that illness and treatment factors are of most importance if we are to reduce the prevalence of this tragic illness complication.

Letter to the Editor regarding ‘Homicide associated with psychotic illness: What global temporal trends tell us about the association between mental illness and violence’

“…In this correspondence, we respond to the viewpoint by Simpson et al (2021) on ‘ Homicide associated with psychotic illness: What temporal trends tell us about the association between mental illness and violence ’. We specifically suggest increasing clozapine utilisation for patients with schizophrenia, to potentially reduce rates of incarceration, violent crime and possibly homicide.…”

“…Patients with psychosis are 4-10 times more likely to commit homicide, compared with the general population and 2-8 times more likely to commit violence as compared to non-affected members of the general population (Simpson et al, 2021). Worldwide trends of homicide rates for patients with psychosis have been largely unchanged for several decades.…”

“…Worldwide trends of homicide rates for patients with psychosis have been largely unchanged for several decades. While total homicide rates reduced by 50% in Australia between 1993 and 2013, homicide rates for patients with severe mental illness were essentially unchanged (Simpson et al, 2021).…”

Beyond the Penrose Hypothesis: Examining the Association between the Availability of Psychiatric Care and National Homicide Rates in 166 Countries

“…The relationship between mental illness and crime, particularly violent crime, is complex. Certain psychiatric disorders are associated with an elevated risk of violence and aggression, which can culminate in homicide in some cases [1][2][3]. These conditions include psychotic disorders (schizophrenia and related conditions), personality disorders, substance use disorders, and intellectual disability [4][5][6].…”

Author reply to Letter to the Editor regarding ‘Homicide associated with psychotic illness: What global temporal trends tell us about the association between mental illness and violence’

“…We thank Bastiampillai and colleagues for their letter commenting on our paper (Simpson et al, 2021) on homicide associated with psychosis. We agree with their view that more widespread clozapine use is likely to be associated with lower rates of violence for people with psychosis.…”