The beliefs of QAno a Mental Health are so far the most prevalent in our society. Beliefs in QAnon have been linked to more violence and proximal warning behaviors in QAnon theorists. They have also spread quickly and globally. This article outlines the causes and consequences of QAnon beliefs and how QAnon could lead to more violence. If you have any questions, contact a therapist to discuss your concerns.
QAnon beliefs are a mental health emergency
QAnon is a controversial movement that has gone from an underground subculture to a mainstream conservative movement. The ideology behind QAnon is rooted in a deep distrust of government, the established sciences, and mainstream media. The movement has received support from many other extreme movements. But is QAnon really a mental health emergency? What are its signs? The group has gained worldwide attention for its belief system.
The group has a long history of radicalization and violent incidents, but few of its members have been diagnosed with a mental illness. However, if we look closely at the traits of a terrorist, such as a desire to harm others, it is difficult to attribute these traits to a mental illness. Moreover, paranoia that is part of a mental illness such as schizophrenia or chronic drug use can lead to wild conspiracy theories. The paranoia of these individuals is disorganized.
QAnon theorists are more likely to be victims of violence
The QAnon movement is infamous for violence. One of its precursors was responsible for the 2016 shooting at a pizza restaurant in California. The suspect claimed that the pizza joint was a front for sex trafficking and was motivated by conspiracy theories. Fortunately, he was never injured, and he eventually surrendered to authorities. According to news reports, the shooter was also prone to depression and drug abuse.
The QAnon movement includes a diverse range of conspiracy theories, with the central element of abduction. While anti-trafficking myths about child trafficking are important, QAnon discourses often exacerbate these issues by ignoring the many forms of human exploitation. Moreover, QAnon perpetuates traditional masculine institutions and gendered roles.
Beliefs in QAnon are associated with proximal warning behaviors
Beliefs in QAnon may be related to proximal warning behaviors in mental health emergency situations. These behaviors may include novel aggression unrelated to the target or an increased frequency or variety of behaviors related to the target. These findings need further study to assess their utility in predicting violent incidents. They may be useful for assessing domestic terrorists, conspiracy theorists, or QAnon believers.
Psychological factors such as social isolation, loneliness, and psychological problems may also contribute to the rise of conspiracy thinking. Forensic psychiatrists should distinguish between primary mood disorders and DLBs. If either is present, the belief in QAnon may negatively impact the evaluator’s legal or moral capacity. Further, forensic psychiatrists should distinguish between a primary psychotic disorder and a primary mood disorder.
QAnon has spread rapidly and globally
QAnon has become a global community, rather than a theory, with an ever-changing web of ideas and beliefs. Some QAnon members believe that the US president is a member of a cabal who worships Satan, while others say that JFK Jr. faked a plane crash in 1999 to escape deep state plotters. They also have assimilated many unrelated conspiracy theories, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and 5G infrastructure.
The group’s popularity has skyrocketed, with membership in its closed Facebook groups rising more than fivefold from 155,000 in February to 1.12 million in June. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue, which tracks extremism around the world, has said that the number of interactions with the QAnon site has more than tripled. The group’s propaganda appeals to ordinary people across political lines and is spreading rapidly.
