Experts evaluate the atrocity in Fatih: 'This child is a psychopath, extremely intelligent'

The psychiatric condition of Semih Çelik (19), who brutally murdered his former schoolmate İkbal Uzuner (19) and his girlfriend Ayşenur Halil (19) in Istanbul's Fatih district before taking his own life, has been widely debated. Questions were raised regarding why it could not be detected whether Çelik, who was determined to have been receiving medication at a university hospital's psychiatry department, would commit murder, why he was not hospitalized for treatment, and why he was discharged. Experts evaluated this situation and the drawings found in Çelik's room for Hürriyet Newspaper.

Expert Psychiatrist Dr. Celalettin Kutcan stated that the illness could have been detected beforehand, saying:

“But first, the family must be aware. If there is a depressive psychosis, they see visions and hear voices. We can correct such patients with medication, but there is no drug to fix psychopathy, that is, a personality disorder. However, with regular treatment, behaviors that could harm those around them can be prevented through medication. But under current conditions, these treatments cannot be performed in hospitals. A psychiatric treatment cannot be done with 10-15 minute appointments. Throughout the treatment, the patient should have a single doctor and be in contact with that doctor. When a different doctor appears in the outpatient clinic after a month, it is difficult for the doctor to know the patient.

'THIS CHILD IS A PSYCHOPATH, EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT'

If they have attempted suicide before, they are hospitalized. Even if the family does not sign, a doctor can hospitalize a patient who says ‘I don't want to stay’ and inform the relevant authorities that they have performed a mandatory hospitalization. The treatment is continued. This child is a psychopath. Extremely intelligent. He can hide everything because he is intelligent. He can manipulate the person in front of him very easily. Attempts are made to stabilize behavior with medication, but it is medically very difficult to change such a personality disorder. Because the drugs we give do not play with the patient's personality. On the basis of a personality disorder, the doctor's job is difficult. If there is substance abuse, this has added insult to injury.”

Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. İbrahim Balcıoğlu: “In a psychiatry clinic, there are two types of wards: closed and open. There are 3 criteria for admitting patients to the closed ward. Patients with schizophrenia-type illnesses who have suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide and who will harm their environment. And also patients who use heroin and morphine. These are treated by hospitalization. Other than that, other types that we call neurosis, meaning patients who know what they are doing, are followed up on an outpatient basis. Patients with what we call personality disorders do not accept that they are sick, and they do not come to the hospital. Because according to us, their criminal responsibility is full.

'HE IS AT WAR WITH HIMSELF, HE HAS A PERSONALITY DISORDER'

There is nothing doctors can do against patients with this type of personality disorder who are at war with themselves and are prone to substance use and committing crimes. In such cases, the person is persuaded along with their family and hospitalized. Doctors cannot bring them by force. It is understood that this person had applied to the hospital over time. But there was no follow-up, or he did not use his medication. We understand from the murder committed that he is at war with himself and has a personality disorder.”

Expert Psychiatrist Dr. Celalettin Kutcan commented on the drawings in Semih Çelik's room, saying, “The picture he drew and the images in the room show the fragmentation in his soul.”

The Psychiatric Association of Turkey issued a statement regarding incidents of violence. The statement noted that it is necessary to address the sexist perception that gives rise to violence, stating:

“In order to address mental health as a whole and to organize the necessary actions for a healthy society, from treatment to preventive interventions, it is first necessary to eliminate the causes that create a tendency toward crime in society, and as we emphasize in our demands for a Mental Health Law, to create national policies within the struggle for social equality and rights against stigmatization and discrimination.”

News Source: 12punto