The Virginia Tech TragedyDistinguishing Mental Illness from ViolenceStatement of Ken Duckworth MDNAM [...]…

” For the record, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) focuses primarily on ensuring access to adequate, appropriate treatment within the American health care system. As a matter of Policy, it does not endorse any particular treatment or services for brain disorders. NAMI believes that all people should have the right to make their own decisions about medical treatment, but is aware that some individuals with brain disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may at times, due to their illness, lack insight or good judgment about their need for medical treatment. Involuntary treatment of any kind should be used only as a last resort and only when it is believed to be in the best interest of the individual, following a court hearing in which due process has been provided. Outpatient treatment also should be considered the most beneficial, least restrictive and least costly treatment alternative.”