6 claims on p. 44 (statement 2, evidence 2, conclusion 2).
Understanding the motivations behind an individual’s decision to commit an act of violence is a complex and dynamic process that goes beyond simply determining whether a person has a diagnosed mental health disorder.
Research conducted by BAU-1 on targeted violence and terrorism reveals that approximately 25% of offenders who engage in targeted violence—whether driven by ideological motives or not—have a diagnosable mental illness.
This closely aligns with the prevalence of mental illness within the general population.
BAU-1’s research has not established a causal link between mental illness and acts of targeted violence or terrorism.
While mental illness itself is not a direct cause of such violence, it can serve as a risk factor when vulnerabilities lead to problematic behaviors or impaired judgment.
Additionally, other psychological disorders—like personality disorders, substance use or abuse, and adjustment disorders stemming from environmental stressors—can affect an individual’s mental wellness and resilience.
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