A tragic case of filicide in the setting of neuropsychiatric sequelae of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Abstract Filicide, the deliberate killing of a child by a parent, is a rare offence but one that provokes high emotional reactions in almost everyone. Certain factors, such as psychiatric symptoms and social stressors, have been identified as increasing the risk for filicide. The neuropsychiatric complications of systemic lupus erythematosus, such as seizures, mood symptoms, and psychosis, can promote these factors, and health professionals must be vigilant in identifying those parents at risk. In this very unfortunate situation, we present the case of a mother who killed two of her children in the context of seizures, depression, and psychosis. The intricacies of neuropsychiatric sequelae of systemic lupus erythematosus are highlighted.