Violence and Mental Illness: Disseminating Fact and Dispelling Fiction
Table of Contents: Introduction What is Serious Mental Illness? Is there a Link between Serious Mental Illness and Violence? Psychosocial Contextual Factors Influencing Violence Substance Use, SMI, and Violent Behavior Are there Mental Illnesses with a Stronger Association with Aggression and Violence? Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Sundowners Syndrome Traumatic Brain Injuries Anti-Social Personality Disorder Victimization of Individuals with Mental Illness Mass Shootings Summary References Introduction: It is a tremendous pet peeve of mine when I read or hear others strongly associate mental illness with violence, mass shootings, and extremism. Not only are these accusations unfounded, but they continue to perpetuate stigmatization of those suffering from mental illness. In this post, I will counter the common myths and false claims perpetuated by the media, pop culture, and the public, and I will present a complete picture of the of the association betwe