The Invisible Toll.

A recent analysis published in Health Affairs reveals the hidden impact of gun violence on the mental and physical health of children and their families. Using data from employer health insurance claims, researchers found that young survivors of gun violence experienced a significant increase in substance use disorders, pain disorders, and psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. The effects were even worse for those with more severe injuries. Parents of survivors also saw a rise in psychiatric conditions, and parents whose children were killed by firearms experienced a doubling of psychiatric diagnoses. The financial toll of gun violence was also evident, with an average increase of $35,000 per person annually in healthcare spending for survivors. The analysis did not include those insured by Medicaid or Medicare or those without insurance, who are at high risk of gun violence and other health conditions due to limited access to healthcare. The study emphasizes the need to address the serious and long-lasting consequences of gun violence on the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. [Extracted from the article]

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