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An overview of filicide
1Dr. West is from the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals, Case Medical Campus, Cleveland, Ohio.
Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township))
|September 1, 2010
Summary
Filicide, the murder of one's own child, is a critical psychiatric issue. Increased awareness among mental health providers can lead to better identification and prevention of filicide.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Child Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Filicide, the act of a parent killing their child, remains a significant concern.
- High-profile cases, such as Andrea Yates's trial, bring filicide into public and professional discourse.
- Understanding the multifaceted nature of filicide is crucial for mental health professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of filicide for mental health providers.
- To educate clinicians on the history, definitions, classifications, and outcomes of filicide.
- To encourage increased clinical vigilance regarding parental intent to harm children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on filicide.
- Historical analysis of filicide cases and societal responses.
- Discussion of diagnostic and classification frameworks relevant to filicide.
Main Results:
- Filicide encompasses a range of parental motivations and circumstances.
- Understanding the classifications and outcomes is key to addressing the phenomenon.
- Research highlights the need for specialized knowledge among practitioners.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced awareness and education on filicide are essential for mental health providers.
- Proactive exploration of homicidal ideation in parents can aid in prevention.
- This knowledge aims to reduce the incidence of filicide.
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