Mass murders: implications for mental health professionals

Int J Psychiatry Med. 2008;38(3):261-9. doi: 10.2190/PM.38.3.c.

Abstract

In this article, we attempt to uncover whether mass murders (the killing of multiple victims in single events) are preventable acts, the extent to which they are contributed to by biological and psychological factors, the notion that they are inextricably linked to mental illness, the role of the media, and what lessons can be learned by mental health professionals.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Dangerous Behavior
  • Homicide / psychology
  • Homicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Homicide / trends
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Media / statistics & numerical data
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Health Services / supply & distribution
  • Psychiatry / methods*
  • Risk Assessment / methods
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology