Evaluating threats of mass shootings in the psychiatric setting

Abstract

Psychiatrists may encounter patients at risk of perpetrating mass shootings or other mass violence in various settings. Most people who threaten or perpetrate mass violence are not driven by psychiatric symptoms; however, psychiatrists may be called upon to evaluate the role of mental illness plays in the risk or threat, and to treat psychiatric symptoms when present. Regardless of whether psychiatric treatment is likely to reduce symptoms or the potential for violence, the psychiatrist should collaborate closely with law enforcement, potential targets, and other agencies involved to mitigate risk. Such communications are governed by various privacy laws and duties to third parties. Additional measures, like protective orders, may be a means of restricting the subject’s access to firearms.

Keywords:

• Mass shootings
• firearms
• mental illness
• red flag laws
• violence
• forensic psychiatry
• gun violence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Amy Barnhorst, MD, is funded by the State of California through the UC Firearm Violence Research Centre. John S. Rozel, MD, MSL, is partially funded through the Department of Homeland Security Office of Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention.