Warning signs of violence - Could Elliot Rogers shooting been avoided?

Could the Santa Barbara shooting have been avoided? Could there have been more intervention and resources for Elliot Rogers who had been to multiple therapists? These are often questions we ask after the fact. Truth is, in my opinion, maybe and maybe not. Sociopaths come in all shapes, sizes and symptoms. As a therapist and mom it's important to be aware (and educate my clients to be aware) of the signs that may lead to a dangerous situation. Research shows that sociopaths don't always (and often never) engage in violence. The following warning signs are important because these are signs of a potential spiral into violence. These signs do not mean that a child will become violent, but that they might.

If your child or a child you know is beginning to show these signs it's important to speak up, get help, acquire resources, notify authorities. To my therapist colleagues, if your client is showing these signs, seek more professional intervention, supervision, refer out for testing and psychiatric evaluations and document all attempts.

Warning signs leading to an escalation of violence:

-Refusal to take prescribed psychotropic medications

-History of bringing weapons to school/community and/or obsession with violence (fantasies, discussion, writings about slaughter/killing)

-Lack of empathy

-Grandiose sense of self ("I am a God" "A supreme gentleman" - Elliot Rogers)

-Victim of bullying (feeling rejected)

-Loneliness and social withdrawal

-A desire to dominate others ("I will punish you all" -Elliot Rogers)

-Talking about revenge - past and/or present threats (Elliot Rogers "day of retribution")

-Often sociopaths speak poetically (see Charles Manson interview). They are master wordsmiths, able to deliver a running "stream of consciousness" monologue that is both intriguing and hypnotic.

-Delusional, twisted sense of reality, inventing bizarre tales