Mind report seeks to dispel 'myths' over homicides

Mental health charity Mind marked world mental health day on Monday with the publication of a report designed to 'explode the myths' surrounding dangerousness and the link with mental health problems. Its figures from a 1999 study show that 95 per cent of homicides are committed by people without mental health problems, and that alcohol and drug use play a far greater part in homicides than a diagnosis of mental health problems. The report also flags up the role of literature and the media in influencing perceptions about dangerousness.