Texas Senate Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention and Community Safety

Dr. Keller began his presentation with an overview of mental illness – what it is and is not, by definition. Questions and data surrounding mass murder and violence were also discussed with the following reinforced

• Most mental health conditions are associated with a comparable or lower risk of violence.
• Severe mental illness drives slightly more risk. (3 in 100 versus between 1 and 2 in 100)
• Mood disorders, such as major depression, are the primary drivers of violence directed at the self, with suicide rates now at historical highs.
• People with anxiety disorders are no more likely to harm themselves than the general population and also no more likely to harm others.