Article: Mental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide
"Media accounts of mass shootings by disturbed individuals galvanize public attention and reinforce popular belief that mental illness often results in violence. Epidemiologic studies show that the large majority of people with serious mental illnesses are never violent. However, mental illness is strongly associated with increased risk of suicide, which accounts for over half of US firearms–related fatalities."
Testing for mental stability to license gun use is a complex and controversial topic. It is important to recognize that mental stability is a fluid concept that can change over time, and that it is not always possible to predict future behavior based on past or current mental health status.
In general, mental health professionals use standardized assessments and interviews to evaluate an individual’s mental health status. However, it is important to note that these assessments are not always accurate and can be influenced by various factors, such as the individual’s honesty and willingness to disclose information.
To test for mental stability to license gun use, some potential options could include:
1. Psychological evaluation: A licensed mental health professional could administer a comprehensive psychological evaluation to assess an individual’s mental health status, including any history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse. This evaluation could include standardized tests, interviews, and observations.
2. Background check: A thorough background check could be conducted to identify any criminal history, past incidents of violence or aggression, or any history of mental health treatment.
3. Risk assessment: A risk assessment could be conducted to identify any potential risk factors for violence or self-harm, such as a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or suicidal ideation.
4. Waiting period: A mandatory waiting period could be implemented to allow time for a thorough evaluation of an individual’s mental health status before issuing a gun license.
It is important to note that these measures are not foolproof and may not prevent all incidents of gun violence. However, implementing a multi-faceted approach that includes mental health evaluations, background checks, risk assessments, and waiting periods could potentially help identify individuals who may be at an increased risk for gun violence and prevent them from obtaining a gun license.