Crossing Boundaries

Behaviors such as lying, defensiveness, aggression, or passive submission often have neurological or hormonal origins. In many cases, a deep sense of helplessness underlies self-destructive behavior, eventually leading to social isolation.

Aggressive individuals, paradoxically, often seek empathy—even when their aggression causes others to withdraw in self-protection. This retreat, though instinctive, prevents the very response the aggressor unconsciously craves: understanding and connection. Nevertheless, the aggressor bears the responsibility to recognize their behavior and seek appropriate help. At the same time, the recipient of such aggression has a fundamental right to defend themselves, including through emotional or physical distance.

Unfortunately, aggressive individuals are often selfish and narcissistic in their behavior. They tend to project their unresolved domestic or social problems onto others and demand empathy and assistance—as though those around them are responsible for resolving their inner conflicts. While aggressively depending on and demanding empathy from others, they often reject advice, deny responsibility, and deflect blame. This narcissistic dynamic creates a one-sided emotional exchange in which others are expected to carry the burden of the aggressor’s distress without receiving respect, accountability, or reciprocity.

In many cases, genuine reflection and behavioral change only occur when the aggressor is forced to face the consequences of their actions—typically in isolation, after personal relationships and trust have been damaged or severed. It is often in this solitude that some finally begin to recognize the destructive patterns they had long refused to see.

Unless the individual is a minor, the aggressive person is solely responsible for seeking help and for the harm they cause to others. While psychological, neurological, or hormonal disorders may influence behavior, they do not absolve personal accountability. Recognizing the impact of one’s actions is a necessary first step toward meaningful change.

When aggression is chronic or severe, it may indicate an underlying medical or psychiatric condition. A formal diagnosis using ICD codes is essential—especially in cases involving psychopathic ADHD, dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), bipolar disorder, manic-depressive illness, Brunner syndrome, narcissistic personality disorder, or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) dysfunction. TSH malfunction, which affects thyroid regulation, can lead to irritability, mood swings, fatigue, and even aggression—symptoms often misinterpreted as personality flaws rather than treatable medical issues.

Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment, whether the cause lies in hormonal imbalance, neurochemical disruption, or genetic predisposition. With professional assessment, many of these conditions can be managed. However, when genetic factors such as MAOA gene variants or dysfunctions in the prefrontal cortex are involved, the path to healing is more complex and often requires long-term, specialized care.

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742