JUMPING THE GUN - FIREARMS AND THE MENTAL-HEALTH OF AUSTRALIANS

Objectives:The aims of this study were to (i) survey mental health-rel ated correlates of firearms ownership and availability in Australia, a nd (ii) assess possible causal relationships between civilian gun deat hs, gun availability and mental disorders. Method: Available data rega rding firearms ownership, injuries and deaths were reviewed as well as studies of (i) gun ownership, suicide and homicide, and (ii) gun cont rol laws and suicide. Results: Findings indicated that 85% of firearm deaths are triggered by distress, as opposed to crime. Most firearm ho micides are intrafamilial or involve familiar persons. Firearm suicide rates, athough tapering off in recent years, continue to rise among c ertain groups. It was also found that: (1) Beyond reasonable doubt, a causal relationship exists between gun ownership and firearm suicides and homicides. The role of method substitution is controversial, but i s probably less important among the young. (2) Outside the United Stat es, legislation may be useful in reducing firearm and possibly overall suicide rates. (3) If firearm owners are representative of the commun ity, then 15-20% suffer from a psychiatric disorder at any time. While a modest increase in risk of firearms misuse exists for this group, e specially those with a history of substance abuse or violence, concern also arises regarding those with mental disorders who access firearms because owners have not secured them. No uniform definition or way of verifying self-reports exists for gun licence applicants regarding th ese issues. Conclusions: Further regulation of firearm safety and avai lability is warranted. Public health measures include improved surveil lance regarding firearm events, advocacy for appropriate firearm legis lation, and better education and communication about firearms.