Filicide in Bangladesh: A case indicating the need for psychosocial support among mothers during peripartum

Abstract

Filicide, the perpetration of killing a child by its parents is a highly complex entity in forensic psychiatry. The association of different psychosocial factors is being revealed eventually behind this deliberate act which compels mental health professionals and caregivers to be aware of overcoming the emerging challenges both on the medico-legal ground and for therapeutic purposes. 1 Various mental illnesses have been reported among the indicted parents including delusional disorder, borderline personality disorder, affective disorder (with or without psychosis), and substance disuse. 2,3 Battering, throttling, drowning, stabbing (with the sharp cutting pointed weapon), and suffocation are the commonly used methods to execute filicide. 1 This deliberate killing becomes more miserable when the perpetrator is the mother rather than the father. 4 As a result of the complex nature and overlapping perspectives, extensive studies are warranted to identify the risk factors for filicide. However, it is an under-researched entity in Bangladesh.The psychosocial aspects considering the prevention of filicide have been poorly addressed in South Asian countries, especially Bangladesh. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old woman suffering from anorexia nervosa, borderline personality disorder, and chronic major depressive disorder who has regretfully confessed to killing her 32-day-old daughter. The case depicts a complex forensic psychiatric dilemma and the need for psychosocial support during pregnancy in Bangladesh.