[Homicides in non-forensic psychiatric clinics, seen from the perspective of a federal state].

Abstract

Homicides in psychiatric clinics are rare, however recurring incidents; using administrative data, homicides for the years 2016 to 2024 in psychiatric clinics in Lower Saxony were analysed. 8 completed and 5 attempted homicides were reported. All incidents occurred in adult psychiatry, and all but one took place in closed acute care units. In the majority of cases, the offender entered the victim's patient room. Some victims were in a fragile somatic or mental state. The majority of offenders were voluntarily or under legal guardianship hospitalized. Conclusions: Homicides in psychiatric clinics are not typically committed by patients considered acutely dangerous to others. Therefore, acute care units need to place a stronger emphasis on victim protection: Patient room doors should be lockable from the outside to prevent unauthorized access. Patients with fragile somatic and mental health conditions needing higher care should be better protected.