Homicide by a Forensic Female Sample in Brazil: A Preliminary Study |
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Authors: | Alexandre M. Valença M.D. Ph.D. Antonio E. Nardi M.D. Ph.D. Isabella Nascimento M.D. Ph.D. Flávio Jozef M.D. Ph.D. Mauro V. Mendlowicz M.D. Ph.D. |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Universidade Federal Fluminense (MSM‐UFF). Rua Marquês do Paraná 303 ‐ 3° andar do Prédio Anexo, , Niterói, RJ, Brazil;2. Institute of Psychiatry Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB ‐ UFRJ), Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71 fundos , , Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil |
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Abstract: | The objective of the study was to evaluate the mental status of all women (n = 14) who were acquitted by reason of insanity of charges of murder or attempted murder and committed to a forensic psychiatric hospital in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. All cases were retrospectively examined, including medical files, technical records, and forensic experts' official reports. A conclusive psychiatric diagnosis was established using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I and II Disorders and clinical and forensic records. The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders (n = 8; 57.3%). Most victims (n = 12; 75%) were close relatives of the patients. We found that 43% (n = 6) of the patients had a previous history of violent behavior. According to the initial psychiatric forensic evaluation, 5 patients (35.7%) had psychotic symptoms. It is expected that a growing understanding of motivational factors underlying homicidal behavior in mentally disturbed female offenders may further the implementation of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions. |
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Keywords: | forensic science homicide violence female gender involuntary commitment |
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