In Sheffield, an inquest has revealed that there were long delays in treatment for a man who killed both of his parents during a psychotic episode. James Andrews, who was also known as Duncan, killed Mary and Bryan Andrews in their home in Totley in Sheffield in November 2022. The coroner Tanyka Rawden was told that Andrews had requested referral to specialist services after complaining of episodes he believed to be linked to epileptic seizures. However, he was denied this referral.
Interim medical director, Helen Crimlisk, told the court that Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust had made a number of changes since the tragedy. Ms Rawden said that if there had been “regular and appropriate interaction between services, and had the early intervention service referral been accepted, it is possible that treatment could have been given.”
Andrews was given an indefinite hospital order in July 2023 after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The court heard that in November 2011, he had accessed mental health services when he suffered a seizure and began to feel paranoid. Andrews complained of psychotic episodes and suicidal thoughts, and told a helpline that “something serious is going to happen.”
Prof Markus Reuber, honorary consultant at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, told the court that those with epilepsy were more likely to suffer depression and that it was common for people to have mental health issues such as anxiety after seizures. The court also heard that all anti-seizure medication had side effects that could include depression.
The coroner revealed concern over the communication between services at Sheffield Health and Social Care, particularly surrounding the relationship between epilepsy and psychotic symptoms. A prevention of future deaths report will be sent to the trust to examine the communication between psychiatrists and neurology
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