Examining Demographic Characteristics of Firearm Owners Currently Engaged in Mental Health Treatment

Abstract

Objective: Research on the demographic characteristics and mental health profiles of those with firearm access is scarce. To address this gap, the current study examined the demographic characteristics and use of mental health services among firearm owners in the United States. Methods: Using a sample of 3018 US adults with firearm access drawn from a nationally representative sample of adults (n = 8009), this study assessed the relationships between individual characteristics, engagement in therapy, and receiving prescribed psychiatric medication among respondents who have access to firearms. Results: Among those with firearm access, being younger, female, having higher education, and a history of suicidal ideation were associated with engagement in therapy and receiving psychiatric medication. Additionally, being nonwhite and employed were associated with lower odds of receiving medication. The findings highlight the need to better identify high-risk subgroups (e.g., nonwhite, older, and less educated) with firearm access who do not engage with mental health services. Conclusion: It is hypothesized that extending mental health services and suicide prevention strategies to those who traditionally underutilize these services despite an elevated risk of self-harm can help reduce self-injury and potentially reduce firearm-related suicides among these populations.