Psychiatric Considerations on Infanticide: Throwing the Baby out with the Bathwater

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Criminology
• Sociology

Background:

• Infanticide, distinct from child murder, neonaticide, and filicide, has evolved in its perceived reasons across cultures and time.
• Historical views on infanticide have varied, sometimes even considering it a moral virtue, prompting an examination of contemporary changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate recent data on infanticide and child murder, focusing on socio-economic and psychiatric factors.
• To explore the differing motivations and methods of mothers and fathers in infanticide and filicide.
• To examine the specific context of infanticide and filicide within Ireland.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted between January and May 2020.
• Databases and grey literature were utilized to gather the most current information.
• The search focused on recent socio-economic, psychiatric, and familial considerations in infanticide and filicide.

Main Results:

• New socio-economic factors and family dynamics significantly impact infanticide.
• Maternal mental illness, particularly depression and psychosis, is a high-risk factor for infanticide and filicide.
• Neonaticide and infanticide are predominantly committed by women, while filicide remains a current issue, as evidenced by a 2020 Irish case.

Conclusions:

• Infanticide results from a confluence of multiple factors, including psychopathological and socio-economic parameters within specific family contexts.
• Filicide, though rare, has a significant impact on public perception and media attention.
• Preventative strategies should include screening for psychiatric disorders and providing assistance to parents exhibiting risk factors.