Misunderstanding violence and mental illness

The September 2014 issue of Monitor on Psychology (the American Psychological Association’s monthly magazine) includes a column on violence and mental illness. Norman Anderson, the APA’s Chief Executive officer, tries to dispel various misconceptions about the perceived connection between violence and mental illness.

Anderson writes:

Today, the national dialogue on mental illness and gun violence continues based on reports of mental health problems among some mass violence perpetrators…. Unfortunately, the conversation in the media has focused in large measure on keeping guns out of the hands of what some have called the ‘dangerous mentally ill.

The vast majority of violent acts are not committed by people who are diagnosed with, or in treatment for, mental illness….Moreover, the focus on mental illness ignores the fact that most gun violence is committed by people in crisis, who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or in the context of domestic violence or other illegal activitie.

Given that most people with mental illness do not harm or threaten others, continuing to frame the conversation about gun violence solely in the context of mental illness does a disservice both to the victims of violence and those who suffer from mental illness. More important, it does not direct us to appropriate solutions.

It is easy for us to accept unquestioningly what we see on television or the Internet. I appreciate the APA’s efforts to set the record straight. They also continue to conduct research on the nature of violence of all kinds, and on our best, scientifically based efforts to prevent and respond to such violence.