Prevalence of Firearm Ownership Among Individuals With Major Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Key Points Question How common is firearm ownership, a risk factor for suicide, among individuals with major depressive symptoms in the United States? Findings In this cross-sectional survey study including 24 770 respondents, individuals with moderate depressive symptoms were as likely as those without to own firearms but more likely to have recently purchased a first firearm and to express interest in a purchase in the near future. Meaning The findings of this study suggest that firearm ownership is common among individuals with depression in the United States, highlighting an opportunity to diminish suicide risk through focused interventions.

Prevalence and Correlates of Long COVID Symptoms Among US Adults

“…First, because this study used preempaneled respondents in a nonprobability design, we cannot reliably calculate the response rate; as such, nonresponse bias cannot be estimated. However, in other domains, these nonprobability surveys have closely mirrored results from more traditional designs, and prior work with this survey found results that closely approximate estimates obtained using other methods, including probability polls and administrative data . Furthermore, our cross-sectional design does not allow for a more precise estimate of symptom persistence and relies on participant recall in some cases nearly 1 year after initial illness.…”

“…However, in other domains, these nonprobability surveys have closely mirrored results from more traditional designs, 24 and prior work with this survey found results that closely approximate estimates obtained using other methods, including probability polls and administrative data. 25,26 Furthermore, our cross-sectional design does not allow for a more precise estimate of symptom persistence and relies on participant recall in some cases nearly 1 year after initial illness. In particular, we cannot exclude the possibility that some individuals who previously experienced long COVID symptoms had recovered by the time of the survey, although the stability of our estimates when samples were restricted to greater follow-up periods since acute infection suggests that this is less likely.…”

Guns, Depression, and Suicide Prevention: Is It Time for Universal Home Safety Screening?

“…Prevention of suicide in the United States cannot be based on a full-scale banning of firearms-given the second amendment to the US Constitution-even as the use of guns for self-inflicted death is the most common method used in our country, as noted by Perlis et al 1 Nonetheless, different states have taken steps to limit access to firearms for persons with mental disorders. New York passed the Safe Act in 2013, which, in addition to specific limitations related to military style weapons, requires mental health professional to report any patients who the clinician believes is likely to harm themselves or others.…”

“…Perlis and colleagues describe the convergence of firearm ownership and symptoms consistent with a clinically significant depressive condition among respondents to a carefully crafted and demographically weighted internet survey. As part of an effort to examine the consequences of COVID-19, the authors used the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression screening scale as well as a dichotomous yes or no question regarding gun ownership.…”

“…Participants with depression had purchased their guns more recently; of those who were not owners, there was greater expressed interest in a near future purchase as compared with respondents who did not own a firearm and did not have depression. While the authors conducted others analyses, their major conclusion suggested that “our results may facilitate focused interventions to diminish suicide risk and increase firearm safety among individuals with 2 major suicide risk factors.”…”