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Abstract: Schizophrenics are at increased risks of violence and of committing homicide as compared to the general population. The objective of this review was to examine which factors were associated with schizophrenia, and to assume a “homicidal crisis” and an analysis tool of the homicidal potential. First, the authors highlighted that male gender, a young age, a low socioeconomic status, a history of violence and alcohol abuse could be considered as general homicide-related factors, while drug abuse, personality disorders, clinical paranoia, delusions of persecution, religious or not, delusions of grandeur, lack of insight, disorganized thinking, a lengthy duration of untreated psychosis, or a monitoring or treatment which were discontinued were more schizophrenia-specific factors for homicide. Secondly, the urgency of homicide plans (place, time, conception, preparation of the homicidal scenario, frequency and intensity of homicidal thoughts) needed to be completed by the danger of the homicide itself (lethality and accessibility of murder weapon). The relationship between past and current episodes of aggressive behaviour reinforces the importance of including a careful assessment of past history of violent behaviour as part of the routine psychiatric evaluation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Schizophrenia is associated in popular belief with violent behaviour. In recent years, many studies conducted on this topic have found an increased risk of violence in subjects with mental disorders. However, violent behaviour in patients with schizophrenia is also multifactorial. Some studies report that risk of violent behaviour increased in patients with schizophrenia with poor insight, but others did not confirm this idea. The picture is not clear, and prospective studies should be conducted on this topic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]