Recently, with frequent reports of indiscriminate crimes committed by individuals with schizophrenia, those taking medication, or those suffering from hallucination disorders, discussions linking mental illness to terrorism as a primary motive have increased. At the same time, as individual crimes driven by emotional outbursts stemming from extreme ideologies, such as lone-wolf terrorism, have risen—lacking the clear message expression typical of conventional terrorism—the confusion of mental illness as a major cause of terrorism has accelerated further.
Distinguishing between extremist ideology and mental illness is crucial in terrorism analysis. These two concepts differ significantly in their causes and characteristics, and confusing them can lead to inaccurate conclusions in understanding and responding to terrorism.
Extremist ideology refers to a radical belief system adopted by individuals or groups to achieve specific political, religious, or social goals. Such ideologies are often shaped by social, political, and economic grievances or the pursuit of personal identity. With the development of the internet and social media, these ideologies spread rapidly and can accelerate individual radicalization. For example, a study by the New York Police Department categorizes the radicalization process into pre-radicalization, self-identification, indoctrination, and jihadization stages, which are primarily influenced by social factors and personal experiences.
In contrast, mental illness is a medical condition caused by functional abnormalities in the brain or neurochemical imbalances. Individuals with mental illnesses may experience symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and mood disorders, affecting their daily lives and social functions. However, not all individuals with mental illness exhibit violent or dangerous behavior, and in reality, most people with mental disorders are not associated with violence.
Confusing extremist ideology with mental illness can lead to several problems. First, attributing terrorism solely to mental illness overlooks the social and political factors that drive extremism. This hinders the development of effective strategies for preventing and responding to terrorism. Second, it reinforces negative perceptions of people with mental illnesses, leading to further social isolation and discrimination. According to a survey by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, negative biases and discrimination against individuals with mental illness create obstacles to their social integration and treatment.
Of course, the possibility that extremist ideology may develop into mental illness cannot be entirely ruled out. However, discussions on this topic are complex, and there is no clear consensus in academia. Nevertheless, existing research highlights several key points.
First, while extremist ideology itself does not directly lead to mental illness, prolonged immersion or continued engagement in extremist activities can negatively impact mental health. Psychological studies indicate that chronic stress, social isolation, and extreme thought patterns can deteriorate mental well-being. For instance, some members of terrorist or extremist groups have been observed to exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or paranoid thinking.
Second, the primary causes of mental illness include genetic factors (family history), neurochemical factors (imbalances in brain neurotransmitters), environmental factors (trauma, chronic stress, social isolation), and psychological factors (anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking). When extremist ideology interacts with these elements, the risk of mental illness may increase, but this varies significantly among individuals.
Third, some cases have reported that extremist ideology contributed to deteriorating mental health. Some organized extremist groups use psychological indoctrination techniques to control members’ thinking, which can have long-term negative effects on mental health. Additionally, certain “lone wolf” terrorists have shown signs of mental instability while becoming deeply engrossed in extremist ideology. However, even in such cases, it is more accurate to attribute their behavior to social isolation, the radicalization process, and external environmental factors rather than to mental illness itself.
In conclusion, a clear distinction between extremist ideology and mental illness is necessary for analyzing the causes of terrorism and formulating countermeasures. Considering the potential for extremist ideology to contribute to mental illness, efforts to prevent and contain extremist ideology should be prioritized. Since terrorism driven by extremist ideology primarily arises from social and political factors, understanding and addressing these factors is essential.
Furthermore, reducing prejudice and discrimination against individuals with mental illness and protecting their human rights should also be a societal responsibility. Achieving social integration through appropriate treatment and support for individuals with mental illnesses is essential. Approaching extremist ideology and mental illness according to their distinct characteristics is a necessary step toward ensuring both societal safety and cohesion.
