{"id":"24f7acc8-9bae-40c9-a265-c33ff7e47262","slug":"it-is-our-moral-obligation-and-the-time-is-now","title":"It is our moral obligation and the time is now","authors":["Ronald Pawl"],"abstract":"Background: Recent outbreaks of violence in the United States have raised significant concerns regarding gun violence and bombings. Despite the implementation of restrictive firearm laws, cities like Chicago continue to experience high rates of violence. There is a pressing need for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between mental illness and violent behavior. Methods: This article advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to address the complexities of mental illness and potential violence. It emphasizes the integration of various fields, including brain science, psychiatry, and forensic psychology, to develop scientifically based solutions. The need for well-documented guidelines in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment is highlighted. Results: The article discusses the importance of collaboration among specialists in different fields to effectively evaluate and manage individuals with mental health issues who may pose a risk of violence. It also notes the contributions of notable figures in forensic psychology, such as Robert Hare, in understanding psychopathy. Conclusion: Establishing a multidisciplinary group could enhance the understanding of mental functioning related to violence and terrorism. Initial funding for this initiative could come from scholarly societies, with future support from law enforcement agencies. This collaborative effort is essential to address the complex challenges posed by mental illness and violence. Keywords: violence, mental illness, firearms, psychiatry, forensic psychology, multidisciplinary approach, terrorism, funding","thumbnailUrl":null,"publishDate":"2013-07-18T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.115238","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/24f7acc8-9bae-40c9-a265-c33ff7e47262/pdf"}