3 answers
sky
Student
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
7
Questions
Asked
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Why do the brains of people with disorders work the way they do?
I want to be and forensic psychologist and am interested in why killers' brains and people with disorders function differently, and if they are missing other things that people who don't have or do those do? Any answers are appreciated!!
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2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Sky,
You're already thinking like a future forensic psychologist, as seen by the thoughtfulness of your question. The kind of curiosity that drives this field is the need to understand why the brain behaves differently in individuals with specific diseases or violent behaviors.
First of all, there isn't a singular "killer brain" or common pattern. We study a number of interrelated aspects in forensic psychology and neuropsychology, including biology, environment, trauma history, brain development, personality traits, and occasionally hereditary vulnerabilities. These factors can help explain risk patterns or shortcomings, but they do not justify dangerous behavior.
The amygdala and prefrontal cortex, two brain regions linked to impulse control, emotional regulation, empathy, and threat perception, are altered in some violent criminals. Others may have developed coping mechanisms, a sense of security, or a capacity for trust as a result of their upbringing. Furthermore, the majority of persons with mental health difficulties never hurt anyone; in many circumstances, mental diseases do not cause someone to be violent at all. As a forensic expert, you'll learn how to clarify one of the most common misunderstandings.
Consider it this way: the goal of forensic psychology is to better understand the many mechanisms that surround human behavior rather than identifying individuals as "missing" something. Together, science, context, and compassion are at play. You are perfectly linked with the field if your interest is already heading in this way.
As you go, continue studying criminology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and neuroscience. The cornerstone of good forensic work is that you are asking the proper questions.
Best wishes!
You're already thinking like a future forensic psychologist, as seen by the thoughtfulness of your question. The kind of curiosity that drives this field is the need to understand why the brain behaves differently in individuals with specific diseases or violent behaviors.
First of all, there isn't a singular "killer brain" or common pattern. We study a number of interrelated aspects in forensic psychology and neuropsychology, including biology, environment, trauma history, brain development, personality traits, and occasionally hereditary vulnerabilities. These factors can help explain risk patterns or shortcomings, but they do not justify dangerous behavior.
The amygdala and prefrontal cortex, two brain regions linked to impulse control, emotional regulation, empathy, and threat perception, are altered in some violent criminals. Others may have developed coping mechanisms, a sense of security, or a capacity for trust as a result of their upbringing. Furthermore, the majority of persons with mental health difficulties never hurt anyone; in many circumstances, mental diseases do not cause someone to be violent at all. As a forensic expert, you'll learn how to clarify one of the most common misunderstandings.
Consider it this way: the goal of forensic psychology is to better understand the many mechanisms that surround human behavior rather than identifying individuals as "missing" something. Together, science, context, and compassion are at play. You are perfectly linked with the field if your interest is already heading in this way.
As you go, continue studying criminology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and neuroscience. The cornerstone of good forensic work is that you are asking the proper questions.
Best wishes!
That’s very interesting thank you so much for your detailed answer!!!!
sky
You're welcome, Sky!
Chinyere Okafor
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Sky!!
The human brain does not function in a single “normal” way. Differences in how the brain works are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including genetics, early development, life experiences, stress, and learning.
When it comes to mental disorders, it is not that people are “missing” brain functions. Rather, certain cognitive, emotional, or behavioral processes may operate differently, such as emotional regulation, impulse control, or how someone processes information and responds to stress.
It is also important to clarify that most people with mental health conditions are not violent, and criminal behavior cannot be explained by brain function alone. In forensic psychology, behavior is understood through multiple variables, including personal history, social context, trauma exposure, substance use, and decision-making patterns.
The goal of psychology—especially forensic psychology—is not to label or oversimplify behavior, but to understand how these factors interact, allowing professionals to assess responsibility, risk, and possible interventions in an ethical and evidence-based way.
I hope this helps clarify the complexity of human behavior and provides a thoughtful perspective as you explore forensic psychology.
The human brain does not function in a single “normal” way. Differences in how the brain works are influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including genetics, early development, life experiences, stress, and learning.
When it comes to mental disorders, it is not that people are “missing” brain functions. Rather, certain cognitive, emotional, or behavioral processes may operate differently, such as emotional regulation, impulse control, or how someone processes information and responds to stress.
It is also important to clarify that most people with mental health conditions are not violent, and criminal behavior cannot be explained by brain function alone. In forensic psychology, behavior is understood through multiple variables, including personal history, social context, trauma exposure, substance use, and decision-making patterns.
The goal of psychology—especially forensic psychology—is not to label or oversimplify behavior, but to understand how these factors interact, allowing professionals to assess responsibility, risk, and possible interventions in an ethical and evidence-based way.
I hope this helps clarify the complexity of human behavior and provides a thoughtful perspective as you explore forensic psychology.