A new study finds the prevalence of firearms in the United States, not mental illness, is the driving force in the number of firearm-related deaths. (Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Monitor)
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The prevalence of firearms in the U.S. – not mental illness – is driving the surge in gun deaths across the country, a new study concludes.
The research led by an Oregon Health & Science University professor looked at mental health conditions and firearm deaths in the U.S. and 40 other countries. It found the U.S. had 20 times more deaths by firearms than the other countries even when rates of mental illness were the same.
“We have the same degree of mental health issues as other countries, but our firearm death rate is far greater and continuing to increase,” said Dr. Archie Bleyer, a clinical research professor at OHSU and lead author of the study. “In most of the countries, firearms deaths are decreasing.”