Psychiatrist: Mass shooters have personality disorders and are likely not mentally ill

By Beth Baumann

A psychiatrist testified at a public hearing in Michigan’s Oakland County on Tuesday that mental health issues do not automatically place a person at risk for mass shooting or suicide, based on his research of the phenomenon.

The Oakland County Public Services Committee heard from a number of physicians and other health care professionals about their day-to-day interactions and dealings with gun violence prevention. This was the committee’s sixth consecutive meeting regarding the issue.

“We have to look at new strategies in combating gun violence,” Committee Chairman Bill Dwyer told the group, the Oakland Press reported. “I think everything has to start in the home on the part of the parents. Accidental shootings occur because of unsecured firearms. It’s frustrating because lives are being lost.”

Health care workers from the nearby hospital, Beaumont Hospital-Farmington Hills, came to the meeting to answer any questions the committee had about treating victims of gun violence and those with mental health problems.

The health care team agreed that further education is needed, especially about the dangers associated with having a firearm in the home.

The psychiatrist on the team, Dr. Theodore Ruza, made one point very clear: Having a mental illness does not automatically mean the person …Read the Rest

Source:: The Blaze