Some people believe that kids who engage in school shootings are often under the influence of psychiatric medications and that this drives their behavior.  A new study sheds some light onto that theory finding about half of the school shooters had been prescribed these medicines before their crimes.  The authors' conclusion is that is insignificant to suggest a causal link.  Perhaps so.

What is unsurprising is that so many of these kids had received mental health treatment before their crimes. These are deeply troubled individuals.  We should also not be surprised that the mental health professionals did not foresee the risk of violence that these kids posed to their communities.   Many kids get mental health treatment and do not engage in mass shootings.  Red flag laws may have their place but it is important to keep in mind that separating the the typical patient from the dangerous one is tricky business.