bipolar axis 2
Reviewing the emerging information about Steven Kazmierczak, it became clear that he had some of the warning signs seen in other violent offenders. It is reported that he was controlling and abusive with his long time girl friend; had been treated as an inpatient for a mental illness and had been determined to be a danger to himself; had self-mutilating behaviors; had become fascinated with guns; had stopped his medication and was acting erratically; had tattoos with violent themes; was discharged from the military possibly for psychological reasons; and had a “troubled childhood.” The fact that he was pleasant and charming had no bearing on whether he had the potential to be dangerous, but made people around him feel that he posed no threat to them. Contrary to popular belief, many violent people are quite charming. A prime example of that is Ted Bundy, who was quite charming. Killers can also be very intelligent and educated. Ted Kaczynski, the unibomber, was a brilliant scholar who was known for his mathematical accomplishments. So what makes people violent?
Violence is a result of a malfunction in the brain. There are several possible sources of brain disorders, immaturity, or malfunction: brain injury, disease, defect, or immature brain development due to childhood abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence. The solution to preventing some portion of tragic events such as the NIU and Blacksburg, lie in preventing the above sources of brain immaturity or malfunction.
While this idea may not be popular because it appears to provide an excuse for the behavior of people who have committed heinous acts, it also does not serve us well to put our heads in the sand. While dangerous people must be kept apart from their potential victims, we must do what we can to identify and treat the sources of violence long before a terrible act occurs.
Disorders of violent and other harmful interpersonal behaviors are a separate class of disorders from traditional Axis I, Major Mental Illness, such as Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. Persons with interpersonal behaviors that bring harm to others are more likely to have an Axis II or Personality Disorder as an adult and/or a trauma history as a child. Children and teens have more easily identified histories of abuse, neglect, brain injury or disease, and/or exposure to violence in childhood. The first step to reducing tragic acts of violence lie in protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence. Children repeat what they see and what they experience. If they grow up in violence and abuse, that will be their model of how to treat others. Doing more to protect this group of children is a very good start at solving one part of the problem.
In addition to brain malfunction, it is the complex combination of many risk and few resiliency factors that culminates in violent behavior. Many of the risk factors, such as skill deficits, lack of school success and lack of association with pro-social peers in pro-social activities can be changed. We need to look at all of the risk and resiliency factors and change an individual’s balance from negative to positive to prevent future violence.
Additionally, the knowledge to assess for risk of violence, while not perfect, is very good and can be used to ensure that “at risk persons” receive the treatment they need to prevent future violence. This is easier and more effective with children and teens than adults. Use of what is known and continued focus and research on this problem is essential. We know some of the answers and we will continue to work until we know more. However, this means putting money into mental health and substance abuse treatment, social services, as well as juvenile justice, and wellness and prevention programs.
Dr. Kathryn Seifert is a psychotherapist with over 30 years experience in mental health, addictions, and criminal justice work. Dr. Seifert has authored the CARE 2 and “How Children Become Violent, Professional Version.” The parent version of How Children Become Violent will be released this fall. She speaks nationally on mental health related topics and youth violence. She is an expert witness in the areas of youth and adult violence and sexual offending. http://www.drkathyseifert.com
machdrivenba.MOV
