In the United States, gun control has been an ongoing issue during the recent years. Mass shootings, as well as homicides, are the major concern of Americans. Many of the shootings are accredited to individuals that are mentally ill. The proponents of gun regulations argue that these people represent a threat to society, therefore they should be prohibited from having a gun. The opponents of gun regulation argue that the mentally ill have also the right to own a gun and the prohibition of this right does not reduce the overall rates of violent acts. In my belief, although serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can lead to some type of violence; prohibiting the mentally ill individuals from owning a gun does not produce a great impact in lowering the rate of or preventing violent crimes or massacres.
Violent behaviors between the mentally ill only accounts for a small portion of all violent crimes in the United States. …show more content…
The article “Mental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide: bringing epidemiologic research to policy” by Jeffrey W. Swanson, E. Elizabeth McGinty, Seena Fazel, and Vickie M. Mays describes the “epidemiologic evidence concerning the risk of gun violence and suicide linked to psychiatric disorders” (Swanson et al). The article demonstrates various studies related to people with mental disorders and gun violence. The article says, “The 12-month prevalence of any minor or serious violence among people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression was about 12% overall, and 7% in the subgroup with these disorders alone and no substance abuse comorbidity.” (Swanson et al). Finally, the article emphasizes that “mental illness is strongly associated with increased risk of suicide, which accounts for over half of US firearms–related fatalities” (Swanson et
Violent behaviors between the mentally ill only accounts for a small portion of all violent crimes in the United States. …show more content…
The article “Mental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide: bringing epidemiologic research to policy” by Jeffrey W. Swanson, E. Elizabeth McGinty, Seena Fazel, and Vickie M. Mays describes the “epidemiologic evidence concerning the risk of gun violence and suicide linked to psychiatric disorders” (Swanson et al). The article demonstrates various studies related to people with mental disorders and gun violence. The article says, “The 12-month prevalence of any minor or serious violence among people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression was about 12% overall, and 7% in the subgroup with these disorders alone and no substance abuse comorbidity.” (Swanson et al). Finally, the article emphasizes that “mental illness is strongly associated with increased risk of suicide, which accounts for over half of US firearms–related fatalities” (Swanson et