by Modern Impressionist

Created on: September 20, 2007

It seems like many teenagers of this day and age are being more often diagnosed with behavioral problems. In particular, my son, who is now 14, has been already called a "psychopath" by various professionals. This can be defined as "somebody affected with a personality disorder marked by aggressive, violent, antisocial thought and behavior, and a lack of remorse or empathy." After many years of problems with him in the home, I had to have him removed to Therapeutic Foster Care, and subsequently a Residential Treatment Facility.

After the tragic events which occurred on the Virginia Tech campus recently, as the details of the circumstances and personality, and mental health of the perpetrator were revealed, it became increasingly apparent to me the evident similarities between the student who murdered his fellow college mates, and my son.

I watched coverage of the event on CNN, and according to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, "mass murderers", like this young man, have been found to have similar physical impairments of their brains. This consists of a malformation of or damaged frontal lobes, the largest part of the anterior portion of the cerebral cortex, which affects the area of the brain that controls their judgment. This malady causes these types of people to be "pre-disposed" to acting out violently, and not be able to control their anger. This could happen from being injured as a baby, or happen naturally via a malformation of this part of the brain. This condition is often tested with use of a MRI. Although I was not able to get the approval for my son to be tested, I believe he suffers from this condition.

As the details of this tragedy in Virginia were revealed, I personally had another anxiety attack as the police discovered what was going on in the life of this young man who committed this crime. It was like I was hearing a report about my son. I have witnessed, have been the target of, and have been dealing with these issues his entire life. His former Foster Family, witnessed him being this way. The following is a list of personality traits and circumstances CNN has revealed with respect to the Virginia Tech Shooter; which can also be applied to how my son is at the age of 14, and can be used as a screening tool for parents and doctors dealing with an individual with these kinds of problems:

Narcissistic- (excessive admiration of one's self)- the shooter killed and wounded students and faculty he mostly did not know personally, was cold, and showed no remorse. My

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