The Daily ‘Most Violence Is Not Caused by Mental Illness’
Jun 8, 2022
In this compelling discussion, Dr. Amy Barnhorst, vice chairwoman of community psychiatry at UC Davis, challenges the narrative linking mental illness to gun violence. She highlights that mental health issues rarely cause such tragedies and explores the complexities of treatment for individuals showing violent behavior. Dr. Barnhorst discusses the legal intricacies of crisis intervention and the societal misconceptions surrounding mental health, advocating for a broader understanding of violence prevention beyond mental illness alone.
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Concerning Patient
- Dr. Amy Barnhorst describes a case of a young man brought in for concerning social media posts.
- The posts referenced Columbine, "a day of retribution," and a potential gun purchase, alarming his parents and the police.
Source of Violence
- Determining the source of violent thoughts, whether from mental illness or other factors, is crucial for appropriate intervention.
- This distinction has legal implications for involuntary commitment.
Mental Illness and Violence
- Most violence is not caused by mental illness.
- Only 4% of community violence is attributable to severe mental illness, highlighting other factors at play.