On August 1, 1966 Texas faced a terrible tragedy where many innocent life’s where lost in the hands of a man. Whitman killed a total of 14 people and wounded 32 others after killing his wife and mother. The story that left many people questioning themselves; why this individual would commit such a hateful act. Whitman medical history was researched and an autopsy was later performed upon his request. Doctor records described a poor mental state and inability to control thoughts and emotions. He looked for help and visited with several doctors and psychiatrist the year prior to the massacre. Whitman explained to the psychiatrist the fears he felt with overwhelming violent thoughts and impulses. He felt as mental state and thoughts where not normal and reached out for help. Unfortunately, the psychiatrist only prescribed him medication and didn’t see Whitman as a threat to himself or others. Whitman described inedible feelings of hostility, which he could not control. In his suicide letter he explains he did not know what was happening to in his brain and did not know why he was committing such crimes such as killing his own …show more content…
Web. 17 Mar. 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Whitman).
Doctors concluded the tumor could have been pressing against the amygdala region of the brain, which controls our fight-or-flight responses. They could not determine if the tumor caused Whitman’s thoughts however the concluded; the tumor position could have contributed to his inability to control his emotions and actions. The research conducted on Whitman’s case; helped psychiatrist further understand the reasoning behind a person who commits such acts. Because of this case and other similar cases psychiatrist have taken necessary precautions to help prevent other scenarios like this one. In conclusion Whitman was looking for help with his thoughts and emotions. He knew his thoughts where irrational and preposterous. If technology was advanced as it is now and MRI could have been performed and the tumor could have possibly been removed. Whitman’s case is one of thousands of archived cases in the world. Unfortunately, we cannot always prevent a tragic event from taking place however; with technology we can help those who suffer from mental issues and take the proper