Case Report: Neonaticide, infanticide, and filicide - psychopathological aspects and forensic implications

This article offers an in-depth analysis of child homicide committed by parents, using two clinical cases to illustrate the complexity of the issue. A variety of social, psychological, and educational factors contribute to this serious fatality. Mental disorders such as mood disorders and psychotic conditions often play a significant role. The article highlights the critical need for mental health services to address issues such as treatment disengagement and non-adherence, which are frequently precursors to violent behavior in individuals with severe mental illnesses. Additionally, providing support to socially vulnerable pregnant women, even those without mental disorders, is critically important. To help mitigate risks and prevent family tragedies the assessment of the presence of psychiatric symptoms during the postpartum period by psychiatrists, obstetricians, and pediatricians is essential.