In the Crosshairs: Examining Firearms, Violence, and Mental Illness

The general public often looks to mental health professionals to predict or somehow stop acts of gun violence, especially after highly publicized mass shootings. What is often less sought by the public, but no less critical, is the role of mental health professionals in examining risk of suicide related to firearms. Therefore, it is important for mental health professionals to understand the current data about firearms as they relate to violence against others, suicide, and mental illness, as well as the associated clinical implications. Understanding the general public's conceptions related to gun violence and mental illness, as well as the background and current developments of these important issues, will aid the mental health professional on legal and clinical matters, including variations of legislation related to guns and mental illness, gun violence–restraining orders, firearm-related clinical conversations, and risk assessments. [ Psychiatr Ann. 2018;48(9):416–420.]