SCHIZOPHRENIA NOT ASSOCIATED WITH VIOLENCE
An 18-year old man is implicated in the recent intimate partner homicide in Weymouth, MA. He is said to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and had a history of violence. Obviously this case is just coming into focus and little is known about the young man except that he was estranged from his mother and her boyfriend - both of whom were killed in their Weymouth home.
People should not fear patients with mental illness. In general, schizophrenia is not associated with violence unless paranoia is among the features of the chronic mental illness. A subset of patients with schizophrenia are paranoid that includes symptoms of suspiciousness, anger, and fear. It is not clear to what degree the 18 year old experienced these symptoms but his mother was quoted as saying "he is going to kill me some day.." That day, in fact, did occur on November 10th. The alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is being held. It is very likely that additional information about him and his motive will emerge.
As in many cases of domestic violence homicide containment of those individuals who pose a significant threat is necessary. In doing so, families who are at risk may be protected. The information we have about the alleged Weymouth murderer suggests that his history was quite violent and unpredictable. Treatment and containment is necessary especially when uncontrolled mental illness is suspected. In order to reduce harm greater containment of abusers is neccessary when behavior becomes unpredictable. In cases I have reviewed family members had direct knowledge that something terrible was going to happen.
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