The Virginia Tech Massacre; Trying to Understand About Personality Disorders

Because of the recent horrific Virginia Tech massacre, it might help us to learn a little about personality disorders. These disorders include a group of behavior patterns that seem to be more pathological in society's eyes than from the view point of the individual who has these problems. These problems can include personal discomforts, unhappiness, rage, and/or depressed feelings.

These disorders, which can be "blanketly" labeled as "psychopathic personalities" include people that have no sense of responsibility or morality. They generally have no concern or affection for other people. Their behavior is only determined by their own wants and needs. To explain this personality disorder in a nutshell, these people simply lack a conscience. They usually have little feeling for anyone but themselves, and seem to have little guilt or remorse for their actions no matter how much suffering they may cause others.

Doctors and others who work with psychopaths find that they have certain characteristics including a great ability in lying, and a need for excitement and thrills but with no concern for the possible injury to others. Most interestingly, these people have an inability to alter or correct their inappropriate behavior as a consequence of punishment. This is a somewhat bizarre and confusing personality trait, since even rats and dogs will respond to punishment positively.

It's also surprising to learn that many psychopaths are attractive, charming and intelligent people. They are able to manipulate others and could be labeled as "good con artists". Their initial facade of sincerity and concern however usually has little staying power. Restlessness and impulsive behavior soon will most likely lead to their true nature, which can be anywhere from accumulating debts, deserting their own families, stealing company money, or even worse, murder, serial killings, and suicide.