Increasing rates of homicide in Copenhagen from 1959 to 1983.

The increase in homicide in Copenhagen during the years from 1959 to 1983 was investigated in a material of 251 defendants of homicide examined by a psychiatrist. During the period the change in the pattern of female homicide was only slight. The rise in the consumption of alcohol and drugs in the general population was found related to the increase in the rate of homicide committed by male - mostly alcoholic - substance abusers. Further was noticed an increase in homicide involving victims outside the family of the defendant. This trend was most prominent among the youngest of the defendants. The results are commented by referring to recent changes in interpersonal relations and to the conditions for socialization of the rising generation of today.