Disentangling Guns and Mental Illness AD1 : the Sandy Hook Effect

Disentangling Guns and Mental Illness[AD1]: The Sandy Hook Effect

Understand the relationships between mental illness, violence and media portrayals of those with mental illness as violent

Identify several types of legislation related to mental health and gun regulation[AD2]

Appreciate the potential impact of legislation related to mental health and gun regulation on those with mental illness

Research has consistently shown that the vast majority of people who are mentally ill are not violent, that only a small proportion of violence in the community can be attributed to persons with mental illness and that individuals with psychiatric disabilities are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators of it. However, the misperception that those with a mental illness are more likely to engage in violence, specifically gun violence, persists and is often amplified by the media[AD3]. This misconception is detrimental and stigmatizing to our patients, as media portrayals of persons with mental illness as violent lead to increased public fear and avoidance of these individuals and a tendency to overestimate their dangerousness. Each time mental illness is implicated at the epicenter of a mass shooting, this stigma intensifies. In this presentation, we use Connecticut, the home of the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School, as a case example of the types of complications that can arise from these misperceptions in the form of legislative regulation related to guns, mental illness and their intersection. We begin by describing the unique legislative backdrop in Connecticut, which preceded Sandy Hook regarding mental health and gun regulations, in particular prohibitions to firearm ownership, temporary firearm seizure by law enforcement and related reporting requirements. We will then discuss [AD4]legislative changes enacted following Sandy Hook and subsequent complications for both those with mental illness and practitioners regarding firearm prohibition and access to care. Finally, we will hear from one of the 16 members of the Governor's Sandy Hook Advisory Commission, created to make specific recommendations related to public safety, regarding the Commission's process and recommendations regarding school safety, gun violence and mental health treatment.

[AD1]An interesting main title will capture your audience’s interest.

[AD2]When dealing with hot-button issues, choose objectives that focus on the issue from a psychiatric perspective without any particular social or political bias.

[AD3]Abstract clearly defines the overall issue the symposium will explore.

[AD4]Briefly describe the contents of each individual presentation.