Bipolar disorder, testosterone administration, and homicide: A case report. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sher, Leo; Landers, Sean
• Is Part Of: International journal of psychiatry in clinical practice. Volume 18:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 216
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: Mental illness -- Periodicals; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2014.894075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1365-1501

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective.</italic> Homicide is a major public health and social concern in the United States. Studies have found higher rates of psychiatric disorders in homicide offenders than in the general population. The aim of this article is to report and to discuss a case of a patient with bipolar disorder and hypogonadism who murdered his wife shortly after a testosterone injection. <italic>Methods.</italic> A case study and a review of the relevant literature. <italic>Results.</italic> Our case study as well as several case reports in the literature suggests that testosterone administration or high testosterone levels may be associated with homicidal behavior. <italic>Conclusion.</italic> Further studies of the role of testosterone in the neurobiology of violent and homicidal behavior may lead to improvements in the prevention of homicides.</p> </abstract>