Psychiatry Did the gunman in Munich suffer from depression?

The amokschütze of Munich is said to have suffered from depression. Can the diseases lead to a massacre?
Numerous media reports that the gunman from Munich suffered from depression. But can that be correct? Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hegel, Chairman of the Foundation German Depression Aid and Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Leipzig says that this can not be true. At least not in connection with the terrible act.

Do depression lead to a killing spree? Experts say no. Image: imagesetc - fotolia

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hegel: "With great certainty a depression of the offender as the cause of the killing spree in Munich is out of the question. Even if the gunman has been treated for depression, it does not mean that she was involved in the act. Around 4 million people in Germany currently suffer from depression requiring treatment, and there is no evidence that these people commit more violence than others. Rather even on the contrary: Depressed people in healthy state are usually very responsible, caring people. In the depressive illness phase, they tend to exaggerate guilt feelings, and this is even a central diagnostic feature. They always blame themselves, not others, and therefore would never think of killing strangers in a killing spree.

Falsely portraying the rampage as a result of depression intensifies the stigmatization of those with depression. This raises the hurdle for them to get professional help. Not optimally treated depression causes great unnecessary suffering and is the main cause of the annually about 10,000 suicides (suicides) and 150,000 suicide attempts in Germany. An increase in stigmatization will lead to an increase in suicides. "(Sb, pm)