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Changes in Rates of Suicide by Mass Shooters, 1980-2019
Summary
Mass shootings have surged, with suicide attempts by perpetrators increasing significantly since 2000. Mental health history was more common in shooters who attempted suicide, though many had no recorded conditions.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mass shootings have increased by nearly 400% globally in the past 40 years.
- Approximately 30% of mass shooting incidents are followed by perpetrator suicide attempts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the rate of fatal and nonfatal suicide attempts among mass shooters.
- To investigate the relationship between suicide attempts and detected mental illness in this population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 528 U.S.-based mass shooters over 40 years.
- Information collected from online sources for personal-cause mass murders involving firearms.
Main Results:
- The proportion of mass shooters attempting suicide rose from 23.2% (1980-1999) to 40.5% (2000-2019).
- Perpetrators with suicide attempts were more than twice as likely to have a history of psychiatric/neurologic symptoms (38.9% vs. 18.1%).
- 44% of shooters who attempted suicide had no recorded psychiatric, neurologic, or substance use condition.
Conclusions:
- Suicide in the context of mass shootings may be a distinct phenomenon requiring specialized study.
- Psychological autopsy methods can help clarify the role of psychiatric illness in the link between mass shootings and suicide.
- Underestimation of mental health issues is possible due to limited information.
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