There have been a number of high-profile mass shootings in the United States in recent years, many of which have resulted in increased calls for gun control. In the aftermath of such shootings, it is often assumed that the perpetrators must have been suffering from some sort of mental illness. However, a new study has found that this is not necessarily the case.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University, looked at data on mass shootings that took place between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2017. A total of 133 such events were identified, resulting in the deaths of 1,042 people.
The researchers found that only 54% of the perpetrators could be considered to have had a mental illness at the time of the shooting. This figure is lower than what has been reported in other studies, which have suggested that as many as two-thirds of mass shooters suffer from some sort of mental illness.
The most common type of mental illness reported among the perpetrators was schizophrenia, which was diagnosed in 18% of cases. Other disorders that were identified included depression (10%), anxiety disorders (9%), and substance abuse disorders (8%).
The study’s authors say that their findings challenge the assumption that mental illness is a major contributing factor to mass shootings. They argue that such events are more likely to be the result of other factors, such as social isolation, access to firearms, and exposure to violent media.
The study’s authors say that their findings should be taken into consideration when developing policies to prevent mass shootings. They argue that a greater focus should be placed on identifying and addressing these other risk factors, rather than solely on mental illness.
According to a new study published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry, mass school shootings are not caused by mental illness.
The study’s authors analyzed data from the FBI’s Supplementary Homicide Reports and the National Incident-Based Reporting System from 2000 to 2013, and found that only 5% of mass shootings were carried out by people with diagnosed mental illness.
This research contradicts the popular belief that mental illness is a major factor in mass shootings. The authors suggest that other factors, such as access to firearms and a history of violence, are more predictive of mass shootings than mental illness.
The study’s findings have important implications for policies aimed at preventing mass shootings. For example, recent proposals to expand background checks for gun purchases often include provisions for mental health screenings. However, if mental illness is not a significant factor in mass shootings, then such screenings would not be effective in preventing these tragedies.
This study provides valuable data that can help shape policies to prevent mass shootings. It is important to continue research on this topic to ensure that our laws and interventions are based on the best available evidence.
