Hearts of Darkness

From Sandy Hook, Connecticut, to Aurora, Colorado, to Tucson, Arizona, this nation has been racked from coast to coast with mass shootings perpetrated by criminals with sick minds. Authors Dr. Liebert and Dr. Birnes believe the increase in violence is an epidemic and dig deep into the causes of mental illness to determine what exactly is going on with these individuals and society as a whole, and what action can be taken to slow this frightening trend toward mass violence.

Dr. Liebert and Dr. Birnes believe that many mass suicides are predictable and preventable. Dr. Liebert uses his extensive experience in psychopathology and criminal psychology to describe how clinicians can identify the behaviors of potential suicidal mass killers and possibly prevent their crimes if they read the warning signs when legal opportunities present themselves, such as when recurrent domestic violence or psychotic communications are reported to authorities. The authors also discuss the influence of media—particularly violent video games—and how the evolution of American culture affects suicidal mental illness. With startling statistics, fascinating case studies, and practical, no-nonsense solutions, the authors present a groundbreaking and compelling treatise on violence in America.

John Liebert, MD, is a psychiatrist who specializes in complex neuropsychiatric diagnostics, advanced psychopharmacology combined with psychotherapy of patients exhibiting destructiveness. Having served as a flight surgeon in the Vietnam War and then chief resident in psychiatry at Seattle VA Hospital, he has lectured, testified, and published on the topic of post-
traumatic stress disorder and traumatology of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) since 1969.

William J. Birnes, PhD, JD, is an editor, publisher, literary agent, and television producer. He’s also a New York Times bestselling author and a guest host on several network television series. He is the coauthor of Wounded Minds: Understanding and Solving the Growing Menace of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with John Liebert.