[Profile of population targeted by violent behavior of psychotic patients].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the population targeted by the violent behavior of psychotic patients and to provide data on the treatment and therapeutic support of psychiatric professionals based on our results.

METHOD

Eighty-one psychotic patients lacking criminal responsibility and under observation or mandatory treatment due to violent crime were compared with a control group of 31 persons with criminal responsibility. The sociodemographic features of the two groups' victims and descriptive data about the crimes and the target populations were examined and analyzed with SPSS 11.

RESULTS

Patient and control groups were compared according to their relationships to their victims. Of psychotic patients' victims, 36.9% percent were family members, while in the non-psychotic group the proportion was 10%, a statistically significant difference (p<0.01). We also found a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the mean ages of their victims and in the proportions who victimized married people, had previously met with their victims or who lived with their victims prior to the homicidal act.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that violent psychotic patients mostly choose their victims from among their family members. Psychotic patients were three times more likely to choose a relative compared to the control group. Recognizing the risk factors and the population most often targeted by homicidal behavior is essential for protecting patients and the community.