Royal College of Psychiatrists: Homicides among older people: Perpetrators are mainly men who kill their wives

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Tuesday, 01, Jul 2008 12:00

Older people guilty of murder or manslaughter are mainly men who kill their wives, using either a blunt or a sharp instrument, according to new research.

The study was carried out as part of the National Confidential Enquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness. The only previous studies examining homicide by older people were conducted in the USA.

47 homicides were committed in England and Wales by people over the age of 60 between 1996 and 2001. 56% of offenders had a mental illness at the time of the offence, with depression being the most common diagnosis (31%). Rates of schizophrenia, alcohol abuse and drug use among perpetrators were low.

Compared with people who commit homicide and are aged from 60-64, those over 65 are significantly more likely to have killed their spouse and to be given a sentence of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

There was evidence that only half of perpetrators aged over 65 were assessed by an old age psychiatrist.

The researchers comment that there is evidence to suggest that the reasons for, and circumstances of, homicides perpetrated by older people are different from those committed by younger people.

The findings of this study may be important for future mental health services development.

Reference:

Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Annual Meeting, Imperial College London 1 - 4 July 2008

For further information contact Dr Ross Overshott, Royal Oldham Hospital, Penine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Tel: 0161 627 6330 or 07930 482 198. E-mail: ross.overshott@nhs.net

Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Press Office: 020 7235 2351 exts. 298 or 127.

From 1-4 July, please call the Annual Meeting Press Office on 020 7594 8636 or 020 7594 1847.