Two Cases of Feigned Homicidality: Assessing the Third Dimension in Homicidal Threats

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The phenomenon of feigned homicidality in short-term psychiatric hospitalizations is reportedly increasing.
• Existing diagnostic manuals and literature offer limited guidance for inpatient psychiatrists assessing homicidal threats.

Observation:

• Inpatient psychiatrists face the dual challenge of assessing the seriousness of homicidal threats and determining their authenticity.
• Two case examples illustrate homicidality feigned for self-serving motives, distinct from genuine hostility.

Findings:

• There is a lack of empirical data and research on feigned homicidality in inpatient settings.
• A systematic approach to assessing feigned homicidality is proposed, starting with a serious evaluation of any threat.

Implications:

• Clinicians should rigorously assess the risk of harm associated with homicidal threats.
• When feigned homicidality is suspected, applying malingering assessment criteria can aid diagnosis and management.