Gun threats and psychotic symptoms: Commentary on Bovasso (2014).

Abstract

Although the findings indicated that various markers of serious mental disorder were associated with a history of gun threats, it is important to recognize that (a) most people with such markers did not engage in gun threats, and (b) markers of other established risk factors for violence were also associated with gun threats. The study also had a number of methodological limitations and as a result, the article is insufficient on its own to form a strong foundation for public policy decisions. Despite this, the author has done a great service by stimulating thought and analyzing empirical data to inform discussion on the complex relationships between violence, mental illness, and other risk factors.