Every year, around 20,000 children in the U.S. lose a parent to gun violence. Even more, between two and three times that number, have a parent injured by a firearm. Recent research from Mass General Brigham highlights how these incidents affect the mental health of children. They discovered that kids with injured parents saw a significant rise in mental health issues within the year after the incident. This was especially true if the injury was severe. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. George Karandinos, lead researcher, highlights the far-reaching effects of firearm injuries: “Firearm injury is the most common cause of death in children and adolescents, and it doesn’t stop there. Gun violence impacts entire families, not just those who are directly injured.”
The study relied on extensive health insurance data. Researchers examined records from parents and their children to compare those affected by firearm injuries with a control group of kids who weren’t. They included nearly 22,000 children, averaging 10.7 years old.
Results revealed a 42% increase in psychiatric diagnoses and a 60% jump in mental health visits among children whose parents were injured. This spike was particularly notable in girls and those whose parents needed intensive care. Most diagnoses were related to trauma and post-traumatic stress.
Although the study may not capture the full extent of mental health issues—because it only covers formal diagnoses and health visits—it underscores the urgent need for better mental health support for these children. Programs designed to help kids and families affected by gun violence could be vital. Communication with pediatricians and hospital-based interventions can offer much-needed care.
Dr. Karandinos states, “We can address these mental health needs by enhancing existing programs and fostering better care coordination. It’s crucial for supporting the entire family after such a traumatic event.”
Gun violence continues to be a pressing issue, and understanding its ripple effects on families is essential. As communities grapple with these challenges, acknowledging and addressing the mental health impacts is a crucial step forward.
For more information on gun violence’s impact on mental health, you can refer to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine here.
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Children, Mental Health, Adolescents, Health Insurance, Hospital, Medicine, Research
