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J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 37:2:225-231 (2009)
Copyright © 2009 by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.
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REGULAR ARTICLE

Violent Crime and Dimensions of Delusion: A Comparative Study of Criminal and Noncriminal Delusional Patients

Eduardo Henrique Teixeira, MD and Paulo Dalgalarrondo, MD, PhD

Dr. Teixeira is Professor of Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry, Medical School of the Catholic University of Campinas (PUC), São Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Dalgalarrondo is Professor of Psychiatry, Medical School of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil. Address correspondence to: Eduardo Henrique Teixeira, MD, Rua Frei Antonio de Pádua, 808, Guanabara, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. E-mail: eht{at}uol.com.br

Some aspects of delusional disorders appear to be related to the occurrence of violent crime. A retrospective study was conducted comparing two groups of 30 psychotic, delusional patients. The study group consisted of delusional patients imprisoned in a high-security forensic hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and the patients in the comparative group were enrolled in common psychiatric wards. The PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), and the MMDAS (MacArthur-Maudsley Delusion Assessment Schedule) scales were used. Regarding the dimensions of delusions, the study group had lower scores in two categories: refraining from acting because of belief, and negative affect. Delusions that induce inhibition of actions apparently also reduce the potential for violent acts and, contrary to current beliefs, delusional patients who are frightened or who have other negative affects associated with delusional ideas appear to commit fewer violent acts. Intrinsic factors inherent in some dimensions of delusion may be relevant in the occurrence of violent crimes committed by psychotic patients.






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Copyright © 2009 by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.