The Arizona shooter was paranoid and suffered from some kind of psychotic illness. The fact is that a very, very few people suffering from psychotic illnesses do hurt others.
Usually, they are within the first year or two of developing symptoms. Usually they are under 30 and male. I sympathize with families who have tried to get their family members help. I remember one sad story of a young man who shot a doctor who provided abortions. His parents did not know what to do when the young man started showing symptoms. They didn't have a lot of resources or information. But they tried. It is not easy for people to access mental health services in our country. When the patient is an adult, but doesn't necessarily want help, it becomes very difficult.
I read a while ago that there are always social factors as well, like drug use. But mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, have been part of the profile of a number of mass killers.
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