Terrorism is a complex problem that is highly relevant in contemporary society, underscoring the need for greater understanding as well as cross-disciplinary and international research in this area. Controversies surround potential associations between mental illness and terrorism, many due to the limited and conflicting existing research, and mental health professionals’ duties to their patients versus society and the state. In this article, we review the literature, discuss clinical implications and the role of psychiatrists in anti-terrorism efforts. We also propose a simplified framework that may be incorporated into clinical practice to screen for potential terrorist tendencies.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES• Understand the landscape and recent advances in the research of terrorism
• Appreciate the importance and role of mental health professionals in preventing patients from engaging in terrorist activities
• Understand how to assess risk of patients engaging in terrorist activities
DECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.