Washington (7News) — Following three bizarre crimes in the Washington, D.C. area in recent weeks, a mental health expert told 7News that identifying what drives violent riots is becoming increasingly complicated. said that it is
The first crime occurred earlier this month, when a man who previously claimed the CIA had him in jail allegedly assaulted a staff member of Rep. Jerry Connolly with a metal bat. Last Monday, police charged a man with threatening the president by ramming a security guardrail in Lafayette Square near the White House. On Wednesday, a man was arrested after breaking into a kindergarten with an AK-47 and telling witnesses he was going to the CIA.
Beshaun Davis, Ph.D., is a psychologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center and an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He says he can’t effectively diagnose the three suspects behind these cases unless he speaks directly to them, but he knows that cases involving certain delusions cause psychosis. said.
“I can’t diagnose people from a distance, let alone their history. [suspects] “Mental illness is something that many people experience, and many of these people have these persecuting thoughts,” Davis said. What I mean is the idea that people are going to get it. “
Davis also said the current environment makes it even more difficult to provide a diagnosis.
Political polarization and misinformation are blurring the lines of what causes violent riots.
“This could be someone with a mental illness, or it could be someone who otherwise functions relatively normally but just has very unusual beliefs. It’s very difficult to judge this time, but I think it will become more difficult in the future,” said Davis. “I think there is a Venn diagram of people with psychosis and paranoia. We put out a lot of misinformation out there: “Remember what you heard about things like QAnon and vaccines, 10 years ago it was considered abnormal. It is now being discussed as a matter of course.”
In the wake of the U-Haul crash near the White House, 7News reached out to the US Secret Intelligence Service to ask how it tracks threats, especially those related to people suffering from mental health crises. A spokesperson issued the following statement:
The US Secret Intelligence Service takes all threats to protected persons extremely seriously. In order to maintain operational security, the Secret Service does not discuss the means or methods used to conduct protective operations or the issue of protective intelligence.
These three incidents are still under investigation.
Davis said it became clear that the pandemic was exacerbating mental health problems.
“I think the pandemic has, in some ways, delayed treatment for many people. Many people had to get treatment instead of getting it.” Treatment was delayed or they received incomplete services. Many were suffering in isolation as a result of the pandemic. Post-pandemic, when we think of violent or other riots, it’s not just the mentally ill. It’s everyone. We believe that “Everything has social connections, like airports and people fighting all the time. . “One of the most important things is getting care early and shortening the duration of untreated disease. “We have every concern about the spread of the virus.Now that the pandemic has been declared over, more people are engaging in the care they need. I think.”
But Davis said he wanted to make clear that mental health problems and mental illness rarely lead to violence in people.
“Most people who are ultimately diagnosed with psychotic disorders are not violent,” says Davis. “Psychiatric patients are less likely to commit violence based on these beliefs because mental illness-related disorders make people more confused. It’s hard to come up with a coherent plan or plan.” In conclusion, I wouldn’t go ahead and pursue that plan. “
Still, Davis said it’s important to watch out for alarming red flags with friends and family.
“People who are prone to these acts are not psychotic, but those who have the typical risk factors for violence: young people, people who are socially isolated, and this is their main belief system.” I think it’s important to keep an eye on people on a variety of issues, whether it’s school shootings or people who might commit acts of political violence,” Davis said. said. “People may become more isolated, more paranoid about things, and begin to express beliefs that are particularly unusual within their social group. I think it’s really important to understand, “Oh, maybe they’re going through a stage, maybe this isn’t such a big deal,” we say. What happens is that people are unable to engage in care until a dreadful event occurs in the far future. “
If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. in D.C. You can also call 1-888-793-4357. in Virginia703-752-5263. in Marylanddial 211 and press 1.
