A Moving Target: Firearm Deaths, Mental Health, and the Role of Physicians.

Autor: Soliman L; Atrium Health/Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University-Charlotte Region, Charlotte, NC, USA. layla.soliman@atriumhealth.org., Baines-Waiz O; Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Sandra and Leon Levine Psychiatry Residency, Charlotte, NC, USA., Rozel JS; UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA., Blankenship K; Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA., Rachal J; Atrium Health/Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University-Charlotte Region, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Current psychiatry reports [Curr Psychiatry Rep] 2024 Dec 11. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Dec 11.
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01569-2
Abstrakt: Purpose of Review: This review aims to provide an updated overview of trends in firearm- related deaths, the mental health impact on communities, and clinical and legislative interventions. We examine existing interventions and highlight lesser-known yet impactful strategies, such as incorporating appropriate training in medical education on firearm safety. Additionally, we explore the broader impacts of firearm violence on community mental health and address the disputed topic of whether mental illness is a driving factor behind mass shootings.
Recent Findings: The rate of firearm suicides has continued to grow in the United States, even as firearm homicides have slightly declined. While the media often attributes mass shootings to the perpetrator having a mental illness, research indicates such symptoms only account for a small subset of shooters. Recent studies highlight the benefits of incorporating firearm safety into professional medical education, which can reduce barriers for healthcare providers when discussing safe storage practices with patients. While suicide risk is frequently assessed among individuals with mental illnesses due to their heightened risk, other factors should be considered by all clinicians, not just those in mental health. Similarly, certain mental health symptoms may play a role in a small fraction of gun violence, but other risk factors account for most violence risk. Despite the implementation of firearm restriction laws and increased access to mental health resources, gaps remain that must be addressed to reduce not only the rate of suicide by firearm, but also the mental burden the aftermath has on the community.
Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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