Affective Disorder and Homicide: A Case of Familial Filicide Theoretical and Clinical Considerations

This paper discusses a case of maternal homicide which occurred in the course of a major affective disorder. The relationship between mental illness and criminality is reviewed with a particular emphasis on affective disorder in relation to filicide. A number of significant issues are dealt with including consequences of failure to elicit positive family history of affective disorder, suicide and filicide. Indeed, a history of familial double filicide raises the question of possible hereditary influences. The significance of hypochondriacal symptomatology in the course of the illness and the role of steroids in precipitating or aggravating a psychotic depression also need to be explored. It primarily addresses the importance of prevention and recognition of risk factors associated with child murder committed by depressed parents.