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Published on: September 19, 2011
Paternal filicide: a study of 10 men
J D Marleau1, B Poulin, T Webanck
1Centre de recherche et de formation, CLSC Côte-des-Neiges, Centre affilié universitaire, Montreal, Quebec. marleauj@videotron.ca
Summary
This study examined 10 men who committed filicide, finding that mood and personality disorders were common. Early assessment of delusional ideas or bizarre behavior is crucial for preventing child homicide.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Criminology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Filicide, the killing of one's child, is a rare but devastating crime.
- Understanding the profiles of offenders is critical for prevention and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the psychiatric and sociodemographic profiles of 10 men who committed filicide.
- To explore factors contributing to pathological filicide.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of case files for 10 filicidal men.
- Inclusion of psychiatric, psychological, and criminological assessments.
- Data collected from hospitalizations between 1982 and 1994.
Main Results:
- Situational factors like separation and financial problems were common preceding the offense.
- Mood disorders were the most frequent diagnosis at the time of the offense.
- Eight subjects had personality disorders, with borderline personality disorder noted in half; four had psychotic symptoms. Six also killed or attempted to kill their spouses.
Conclusions:
- Filicidal situations involve complex, multifactorial dynamics, making specific warning signs difficult to pinpoint.
- Awareness among mental health professionals and the public is vital.
- Early assessment of delusional ideation or bizarre behavior towards a child is recommended for potential filicide prevention.
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