APA releases statement on California tragedy

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) released the following statement Nov. 8 from President Altha Stewart, M.D., in response to the deadly shooting Nov. 7 in Thousand Oaks, California: “Our hearts are with the victims of yesterday's deadly shooting and their families and loved ones. There is much we still do not know about this tragic event, but we must keep in mind that most people living with mental illness are not violent. Effective treatment is available for mental disorders , including PTSD [post‐traumatic stress disorder], depression and suicidal thoughts. The victims of this act of violence and their loved ones should know that help is available to cope with the trauma and psychological distress caused by the shooting. Our members are available to help the communit y in Thousand Oaks heal. We at the American Psychiatric Association are concerned about the mental health impact of the epidemic of gun violence, which exacts a terrible toll on American families each year. We stand ready to work with federal lawmakers to take sensible, evidence‐based action to pr event future deaths.”
Source: Mental Health Weekly - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Briefly Noted Source Type: research