[The evaluation of mental capability to use firearms: practical and ethical questions].

This paper presents the results of a survey of 116 men who underwent psychiatric evaluation of their capacity to carry firearms. The data was collected using a standardized form. The results show the following profile: male, married with children, high school education and requesting the license to carry firearms due to reasons related to their type of work or their place of residence. The results point to several conclusions regarding the way in which these evaluations are performed. Recommendation: To centralize the process of evaluating the types of dangers within the auspices of one single medical institution.