The tragedy of Aurora has raised the issue of copy cat crimes, in this case, shootings or threats of shootings. I was asked to provide a psychiatric insight to WUSA Channel 9 News in Washington, DC about copy cat crimes and those people who might take such action.

Copy cat crimes have been a phenomena that occurs around the world. This has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Some research supports the idea the media coverage sensationalizing the crime can contribute to copy cat crimes. Conversely, the absence of coverage of the events decreases the likelihood of copy cat crimes. The media is aware of this research and attempts to strike a balance in the reporting these events to the public.

See this excellent report televised today, August 2.

David W. Goodman, M.D.