Psychiatry for knife attackers: A murder attack shocks Aschaffenburg!

Psychiatry for knife attackers: A murder attack shocks Aschaffenburg!

In a particularly disturbing case, the public prosecutor's office is dealing with a shocking knife attack that took place on January 22nd in Schöntal Park. A 28-year-old Afghan man, who is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia according to a psychiatric report, is accused of killing a two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old helper in that attack. The investigators see the crime as murder, attempted murder and manslaughter and emphasize the “incredible brutality and absolute will to destroy” with which the suspect acted, as radio köln reports.

The accused, who had taken medication irregularly before the crime, heard voices during the attack that urged him to act. A 30 cm long kitchen knife was used in the attack. As a result, other people, including a two-year-old toddler, a 59-year-old teacher and a 73-year-old helper, were also injured. The suspect's immediate arrest followed quickly after the incident and a verdict in the preventive proceedings is expected today.

Mental illnesses in focus

The topic of mental illness is of great social relevance. In Germany, more than one in four adults meet the criteria for a mental illness in the course of a year. These include common clinical pictures such as anxiety disorders and depression, which not only burden those affected, but also their relatives. Around 18 million people are affected and suffer from significant social and professional restrictions. As the DGPPN has determined, mental illnesses are the second most common cause of sick days at work and the most common reason for early retirement.

In the case of the knife attacker, he could be placed in a psychiatric hospital, where treatment options would be reviewed depending on their success. If the therapy does not work, patients cannot receive any relaxation of restrictions. Discharge is only possible if experts classify those affected as not dangerous.

The social responsibility

The suffering and tragedy caused by this attack also raises a societal question: How do we deal with mentally ill people? In Germany there are around 14,600 psychiatrists who care for those affected, but it is a system that is often overloaded. The increased number of illnesses and the corresponding costs could continue to rise in the future. This makes it even more important that we provide both understanding and sufficient resources.

Given these sad events, it is essential that we continue to highlight the importance of mental health care and increase our commitment to prevention. This is the only way to avoid similar suffering in the future and to promote a healthy approach to mental illness.