Summary
Background. Mother's killing of her newborn caused enormous repercussions in the society and extensively researched this issue not only psychological but also the legal basis. This article examines forensic psychiatric examinations carried out in Lithuania on the criminal proceedings brought because of newborn murder over the period 1994-2013, their dynamics with a breakdown according to the territorial principle, type, provided conclusions and clinical diagnosis.
Material and methods. The study used archival material of the National Forensic Psychiatry Service at the Ministry of Health. The study period lasts for 1994-2013 years. Systematization of information used in concluded questionnaire.
Results. 59 forensic psychiatric examinations were carried out in National forensic psychiatry service during the investigation period, of which 78.0% as outpatient and 22.0% in-patient. 22% of all forensic psychiatric examinations were carried out in Utena expert forensic psychiatry department. As concerning outpatient forensic psychiatric examinations, the majority (26.1%) of forensic psychiatric examinations was performed in Šiauliai forensic psy chi a try de part ment, and the minimum - 4.3% carried out in the second Vilnius forensic psychiatry department. Assessing only out-patient forensic psychiatric examinations, Kaunas and Šiauliai regions became dominating (each 26.1%), at least - in Panevėžys and Rokiškis regions (6.1% each). The maximum performed forensic psychiatric examinations rate of 11.9% achieved in 2001, no carried out in 2006 and 2010. All of the out-patient fo ren sic psy chi atric ex am i na tions and 92.3% of the inpatient forensic psychiatric examinations were primary, and only 1 - repeated. In the case of 20.4% the out-patient forensic psychiatric examination had been not enough and the inpatient forensic psychiatric examination was recommended. In 30.8% cases following the in-patient forensic psychiatric examination, the compulsory treatment was designated by applying "general observation" conditions.
Conclusions. The age ofthe investigated women at the time of the crime was in the range of 14 to 43. The dominant group cont ained adult women of reproduciive age (18-39) (83%), minor made 10.6%. No any mental and/or behavioural disorder diagnosed at the time of the crime (80.9%). 10% of the examined women were unable to fully appreciate the dangerous nature of the act or to control her behaviour. For 34.0% of women the mental and/or behavioural disorder diagnosed after a crime has been committed.
Keywords: neonaticide, mental disorder, diminished responsibility, forensic psychiatric expertise.
