A Survey of gun Collection and use Among Three Groups of Veteran Patients Admitted to Veterans Affairs Hospital Treatment Programs

This study assessed the use of firearms & other weapons by select psychiatric populations at high risk for violent acts. Patients with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder were found to own more than four times as many firearms as other subjects & reported significantly higher levels of potentially dangerous firearm-related behaviours than other subjects. It is suggested that high levels of aggression, impulsive & dangerous weapon use, & ready weapon availability may be significant factors in gun-related violence in this population. (17 refs)