Prevalence and predictors of psychiatric disorders in a large help-seeking sample of homicidally bereaved persons

Abstract

Background: Literature on grief reactions in the after-math of a homicide is scarce and inconclusive, oftendescribing small and heterogenous (sub)samples, yield-ing varying results. Method: Data of 942 individuals who are bereaved due to homicide were analysed. Data wereobtained from ASSIST Trauma Care UK, a specialistThird Sector (Not-for-Profit) Organization providingspecialist therapeutic intervention to homicide survivors.Measures included questionnaires assessing symptomsof PTSD, PGD, anxiety and depression, as well as socio-demographic and homicide related characteristics. Results: Prevalence rates of PTSD, PGD and clinicallyrelevant anxiety and depression were generally quitehigh. Status of the judicial process was one of the vari-ables rendering people prone to elevated distress.Conclusions: This study provides insight into the preva-lence and correlates of grief-related disorders followingbereavement through homicide. Information obtainedcan inform the improvement of treatment options.