Chronic fatigue syndrome associated with a psychotic state resulting in multiple murders

Bull Am Acad Psychiatry Law. 1995;23(4):613-6.

Abstract

A 28-year-old, ambitious, academically successful Asian man with a zeal for hard work develops infectious mononucleosis and its resultant lethargy and fatigue. He becomes depressed, then develops symptoms of mania before turning floridly psychotic. In his psychotic state he develops grandiose delusions about being the second son of God after Christ and takes it upon himself to rid the world of all evil by defeating the anti-Christ. He kills four people and seriously injures a fifth. He is arrested and found not guilty by reason of insanity. He remains a diagnostic puzzle for a long time before starting to respond to neuroleptic medication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / diagnosis*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / psychology
  • Homicide / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Homicide / psychology
  • Humans
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / diagnosis
  • Infectious Mononucleosis / psychology
  • Insanity Defense*
  • Male
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / diagnosis
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / psychology
  • Patient Care Team
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Religion and Psychology
  • Violence / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Violence / psychology